We’d like to think we’ve got a pretty good track record when it comes to having cracking ideas and putting them into practice. Yes We Cant is one (more about that later). PASTA is another. And now we’ve a further one to add to the list – Midlands Fringe.
It’s an idea we’ve mulled over for two or three years. We already programme a Fringe day as part of the city’s Lit Fest each February, so why not do the same in the summer, and bring a little of that Edinburgh magic to the Midlands? This year, we’re delighted to say we’re turning that idle chatter into reality.
Oh yes. We’ve secured funding from Arts Council England to put on fifteen Fringe shows in three venues in Wolverhampton city centre over the weekend of 25-27 July. Midlands Fringe will be supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Put those dates in your diaries, because it’s going to be amazing!
We want to create a festival which showcases a diverse range of talent and genres, and over the next few weeks, we’ll be booking in shows. If you’ve got a Fringe show and want to apply, we’ve created a simple form for you to fill in. You’ll find it here. All submissons need to be in by June 7th, after which we’ll be selecting the shows we can put on. Given the size of the venues we’re using, we’ll be looking at shows with one or two performers, no more. If you think you’ve something which fits the bill, and want to be part of the first ever Midlands Fringe, fill in that form!
And while we’ve got your attention… Yes We Can returns to the Great Western in Wolverhampton on Sunday 1st June, when we’ll be bringing you not one, but TWO headline poets: Martin Figura and Helen Ivory. As always, this will be a PAYF event, we’ll be streaming it on Zoom (let us know if you want to join us on that platform) and in-person attendees can order one of the pub’s huge and delicious cheese & onion cobs in advance (these are £2.75, highly recommended, but not for the faint-hearted) If you’d like to put your name in the hat for one of our ten open-mic spots (five can be booked in advance, five on the door on the night) let us know. See you there!
