Carlisle’s newest festival has announced its full line-up of events set to take place throughout the city – the Carlisle Fringe consists of over 30 live events being played out at venues across Carlisle between the 18th and 28th August.

It will see eleven days of both FREE and ticketed events and bring together esteemed artists from all over the UK to perform in both Carlisle’s biggest venues and on the city’s streets – more than half the billed events will be provided free of charge.

The programme will open on the 18th of August at the Old Fire Station with the world premiere of Champagne Supernova – an international cabaret performance by the producers of the renowned Le Haggis Cabaret.

Other programme highlights to play the Old Fire Station include, popular comedian Kelly Convey – who will be bringing her hilarious highly anticipated show You Can’t Polish a Turd to the Peter Street venue on the 19th of August – and Edinburgh Fringe indie theatre legends Ridiculusmus presenting Give Me Your Love, the story of an ex-solider turned recluse on the 21st August.

The fabulous Alfie Ordinary will also be bringing his side-splittingly funny LGBT friendly show Help! I Think I Might Be Fabulous to the Old Fire Station featuring the feel-good music of The Village People, Shirley Bassey, The Sugababes and more on the 22nd August.

In addition to the international acts hitting the city, a host of emerging local performers will be supplying the beats at the Fringe Festival’s Sunday Sessions, a full day music event where on the 20th August an open air, city centre stage, will play host to a variety of local talent – the Sunday Sessions will be preceded by an eclectic night of Drum & Bass beats at The Brickyard on Saturday the 19th.

Residents of Carlisle will also be treated to a host of free public performances at the city’s Market Cross, including a spectacular aerial performance by the Urban Astronaut who will wow crowds by soaring 20 metres above the city centre on the 21st August.

Photo: © Stuart Walker Photography

The city’s annual Carlisle Pageant, planned for Saturday 19th August, has also been revamped with local families being encouraged to dress up and take part in a range of fun events including flag making workshops being held on the day.

Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure for Carlisle City Council, said: “The Carlisle Fringe programme is packed full of free and ticketed events. Using local venues, local and  international performers will be showcased. There will be a mixture of comedy, theatre, music and street-theatre. It’s a must-see programme of events.”

Graham Main, Producer of Carlisle Fringe Festival, said: “There is just such a mix of different acts and performances, there really is something for everyone. We are incredibly excited to be bringing such a diverse range of acts to Carlisle and we hope everyone will get behind the festival and enjoy something different coming to the city.”

The Carlisle City Council event is being delivered in partnership with the Electric Theatre Workshop.

The unique event will return this year as a major festival, combining the Carlisle Pageant, a Best of Carlisle Market, an ancient Proclamation and a bustling international market alongside an action-packed programme of comedy, cabaret and family shows.

Tickets for all shows and events can be purchased online at www.carlislefringe.co.uk by calling 01228 812611, or in person from the Old Fire Station in August.

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