BOOK TICKETS FOR DURHAM FRINGE 2026

Between Wednesday 29 July – Sunday 2 August, we’ll host 140+ different acts across 11 venues in Durham City Centre.

Do not miss the 6th instalment of Durham Fringe Festival!

VOLUNTEER IN 2026

THE ACADEMY

Circus performers at Durham Fringe 2025

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Harriet Kemsley: Work In Progress

Presented as part of Durham Fringe Festival, in collaboration with Gala Durham 

Following her eye-opening appearance on the first series of Last One Laughing UK, multi-award winning stand-up comedian Harriet Kemsley tries out new material in this work in progress show. As seen and heard on Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and co-host of the wildly successful Single Ladies In Your Area podcast, Harriet has been described by Time Out as ‘a very funny rising star’ and as one of Rhod Gilbert’s ‘Ten Comics to See’ in the Mail on Sunday.

Age restriction: 14+

Tickets: £15* (Available via Gala Durham website)

*Tickets to Harriet Kemsley’s show are not part of our Discover Durham Fringe ticket bundle deal

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We offer a stage to people from our region, across the UK, and even to those hailing from around the world. Did you know that we carefully time Durham Fringe to take place in the week prior to Edinburgh Fringe? As a much bigger and more established event, Edinburgh draws acts from across the world. We're just a short train ride away, making it viable for productions big and small to tag an extra week onto their time in the UK and drop into Durham. Whether it originates from Crook or California, Tow Law or Taiwan, find incredible talent at Durham Fringe this summer. Explore the programme and get your tickets booked at durhamfringe.co.uk/events 📸 Photos by @richardeyers.photography and @johnlyons99
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer at Durham Fringe 2026. We are blown away by this year's response. With our festival growing again this year, we are grateful to have your support. In return, we promise you a week of laughs, smiles, and plenty of incredible shows! Do you fancy getting involved as a general steward or technician? There's still time to register. Find all the details via our website ➡ durhamfringe.co.uk/volunteer DURHAM FRINGE RETURNS: Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 2 August 🎉 📸 Big shout out to @richardeyers.photography for capturing these photos
It's time to sound our very first Durham Fringe Academy workshop klaxon! Are you an aspiring Technician, interested in pursuing a career that helps bring amazing shows to the stage? Fancy being part of a team that builds an entire performance space -- from scratch -- in just one day? You'll get to work with @thecdbgroup and Durham Fringe delivery team, learning how to create a space ready for high-quality performance and picking up practical skills from professionals in the industry. Find out more & register: linktr.ee/durhamfringe The Durham Fringe Academy is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
What should you expect at Durham Fringe 2026? Well, with over 140 different shows, it's safe to say you can expect to find something for everyone! Our shows span every performing arts genre. Although we categorise them as theatre, music, magic, and more, many of the acts we stage blend several performance disciplines. Whether you want to laugh, cry, think, or be dazzled, you'll find something that fits the bill! Explore the programme at durhamfringe.co.uk/events Book in advance to guarantee your tickets and avoid disappointment! 🎟
Next month, Durham Fringe returns for its 6th city-wide takeover. 📍 11 venues 🎭 140+ shows delivering almost 300 performances 📆 Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 2 August Support this not-for-profit festival and back grassroots talent by booking your tickets in advance. Head to durhamfringe.co.uk/events to explore the full programme. Remember, book any 3 different shows and automatically get 10% off! With tickets costing only £5 - £15, it's one of the most affordable ways to see incredible performing arts! SEE YOU THERE 🪩💃🕺 📸 Photo by @johnlyons99 | Taken in 2025 at @fabsdurham | Act ➡ Harun Musho'd
UPDATE: APPLICATIONS CLOSED We are currently recruiting for a Programme & Engagement Assistant to join us for an 8-week paid placement in Durham. This individual will work directly with our team, based in our brand-new venue The Academy in Durham City Centre. This role provides a rare opportunity to support the launch of an emerging venue, working with our Festival Manager, helping to install new venue operating systems, engaging with a wide range of audiences including customers, people interested in or actively working in performing arts, and cultural organisations from across the region. This placement will also have the opportunity to support 6th Durham Fringe Festival, which will take place from Wednesday 29th July to Sunday 2nd August, across 11 participating venues. While based at The Academy, the placement holder will also have the opportunity to engage in the wider planning and delivery of the festival, providing experience of Arts Projects and Festival management more broadly. There is also further opportunity to work on the development of The Academy’s 12-month programme, and gain experience in an organisation experiencing significant growth and change. Interested? Find a link with all the details and info on how to apply via https://linktr.ee/durhamfringe This paid placement is made possible thanks to support from @intothelightdurham
We're hosting two FREE showcase events to kick off this year's Durham Fringe with a bang 💥 Our showcases offer up to 6 different acts from the festival's programme an opportunity to give you a sample of their show in less than 10 minutes. It's a fantastic way to kick off your week at the Fringe and get inspired about which shows you might want to see. Tickets are free (and close to selling out!) Book online at durhamfringe.co.uk/events. Find the link to book straight onto a showcase via the link in our bio. 📸 Photo by @richardeyers.photography showing @stevepledgermusic at a 2025 Durham Fringe Showcase
MAKE A DAY OF IT AT DURHAM FRINGE ✨ With over 140 different shows, you have SO MUCH to choose from! Come for the day, or even join us for the full five days. When you book tickets for any 3 different shows, you will automatically get 10% off. Simple as that. With tickets already priced at just £5 - £15, you can soak up incredible performances without breaking the bank. Explore the full programme at durhamfringe.co.uk/events What are your top 3 picks? How the Discover Durham Fringe ticket offer works ⬇ This offer activates when you book to see three different shows. The offer will not apply to a group of three people seeing one show. The Discover offer only applies in a single transition and discounts cannot be backdated if additional purchases are made later. It is only available for tickets to shows sold through durhamfringe.co.uk and can be applied to full price, family, and concession tickets
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