Oundle Fringe Festival – Oundle, England 2026
Overview
The Oundle Fringe Festival 2026 is a dynamic showcase of performance arts in the charming market town of Oundle, Northamptonshire, celebrating local and visiting talent through music, dance, drama, poetry, and more. Launched in 2011, it has grown into a beloved summer event, featuring a diverse program across historic venues that captures the town’s vibrant cultural spirit.
With genres spanning blues, jazz, folk, classical, rock, and even brain-teasing quizzes, the festival emphasizes accessibility and community support, with most events free and donations directly benefiting performers. Organized by dedicated volunteers, it promises an entertaining escape in the picturesque English countryside.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Live music sets from blues to bluegrass, dance workshops like Jane Austen period dances, drama productions, poetry readings, and interactive events such as the Fringe Quiz.
- Special Traditions or Features: Annual growth in events and venues, volunteer-led organization, and a collection system at each show to support performers’ expenses, fostering direct artist-audience connection.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Treasure trails exploring Oundle’s historic character, orchestral concerts in stunning churches, and Americana/Celtic roots music performances with wit and energy.
- Dedicated Event Section: Over 50 high-quality events including the Rusty Players Orchestra summer concert, fast-paced banjo and fiddle sessions, and family-friendly tea dances.
Why Attend
Attending the Oundle Fringe Festival offers a joyful immersion in the arts, where you can discover emerging talents and seasoned performers in intimate, historic settings that enhance every show. The free-entry model and generous donations make it inclusive, allowing attendees to contribute meaningfully while enjoying an eclectic mix that sparks creativity and conversation.
This festival isn’t just entertainment—it’s a community celebration that brings Oundle to life, perfect for those seeking authentic British cultural experiences amid beautiful countryside. Its compact size ensures a relaxed pace, with easy access to pubs, galleries, and churches turned into stages. For more details, visit the official site: https://www.oundlefringe.org.
Date & Duration
- Dates: June 26 – July 5, 2026
- Duration: 10 days
Venue / Location
- City: Oundle, Northamptonshire, England
- Main Venues: Multiple locations including The Market Place (central hub), St Peter’s Church (for orchestral performances), The Victoria Hall (West Street), The Talbot Hotel (New Street), The Ship Inn (West Street), The Yarrow Gallery (Glapthorn Road), The Greedy Piglet (North Street), Salerno’s (West Street), Oundle Library (Glapthorn Road), The Hub (Fletton House, Glapthorn Road), Dexters (Market Place), The Coffee Tavern (Market Place), Onkar Restaurant (West Street), The Montagu Arms (Barnwell), and The George Inn (Glapthorn Road)
- Notable Areas: Outdoor market spaces for trails and street performances, church acoustics for music, cozy pubs and cafes for intimate gigs, and galleries for visual arts tie-ins
- Google Maps Address: Oundle Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BB, United Kingdom (central point; search individual venues for specifics)
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Most events free with no tickets required; select pay events (e.g., £2 for Treasure Trail) are available on-site or via simple cash payment at the door
- Admission Type: Nearly all free, with optional donations collected at events to support performers
- Ticket Pricing: Free for majority of events; minimal fees like $3 USD for special activities such as trails or workshops
- Special Seating or VIP Options: No formal VIP; reserved seating may be available for ticketed events on a first-come basis, with donations encouraged for prime spots
- Price Range: Minimum $0 USD, Maximum $3 USD
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Contact Information
- Email: info@oundlefringe.org (general inquiries); events@oundlefringe.org (program details)
- Phone: +44-1832-272055 (Victoria Hall and general support)
- Website: https://www.oundlefringe.org
- Social Media: Follow updates via the official site links (Facebook and others TBD for 2026)
- Key Staff: Volunteer committee; contact via general email for specifics
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@oundlefringe.org (press); volunteer opportunities via takingpart@oundlefringe.org
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; all volunteers.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Luton (LTN, 45 miles/1 hour drive) or East Midlands (EMA, 50 miles/1 hour drive)
- Public Transport: Train to Corby Station (10 miles away, then taxi/bus); local buses from Peterborough (Nene Valley line) or Kettering to Oundle
- Parking: Free on-street parking in Oundle Market Place and nearby lots; ample spaces in villages like Barnwell
- Access Note: Venues are walkable within Oundle town center; some like St Peter’s Church offer step-free access with prior notice
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: The Talbot Hotel (central, mid-range, from $100 USD/night), The George Hotel (historic, $120 USD/night)
- Pub Stays: The Ship Inn (cozy rooms, $80 USD/night) or The Montagu Arms in Barnwell ($90 USD/night)
- B&Bs and Airbnbs: Local options like Oundle Grange or farm stays in surrounding villages, starting at $70 USD/night
- Note: Book early for festival dates; many venues double as pubs with rooms for easy access
Reviews
- What a gem—free shows in stunning churches and pubs, felt like a proper village party with top-notch music.
- Loved the variety from folk dances to quizzes; donations make you feel part of supporting real talent.
- Charming town vibe, but pack comfy shoes for hopping between venues—pure summer bliss!
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What is the Oundle Fringe Festival?
The Oundle Fringe Festival is a 10-day, volunteer-run arts event in Oundle, Northamptonshire, featuring over 50 performances in music, dance, drama, and poetry. Since 2011, it has showcased local and visiting artists in venues like churches and pubs. Most events are free, with donations supporting performers. Running June 26 to July 5, 2026, it’s family-friendly and spans genres like jazz, folk, and classical. Check https://www.oundlefringe.org for details.
How do I attend events or contribute to performers?
Most events are free with no tickets needed—just arrive at the venue. For pay events like the £2 Treasure Trail, pay cash on-site. Donation buckets at each show directly fund performers’ expenses, so give generously. No advance booking is required, but check schedules on the website. Contact info@oundlefringe.org for group or special inquiries. The festival’s open-access model ensures inclusivity.
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
Many venues, like The Market Place and The Hub, are wheelchair-friendly with ground-level access. Historic sites like St Peter’s Church may have steps, but assistance is available if notified via info@oundlefringe.org. Oundle’s compact layout aids mobility, and public transport is accessible. Guide dogs are welcome. Full accessibility details are on the website; contact for 2026 updates.
Are there age restrictions or family-friendly activities?
The festival is open to all ages with no restrictions, featuring family-friendly events like treasure trails and tea dances. Evening pub performances may suit adults, but daytime shows welcome kids. The Fringe Quiz is fun for everyone. Stewards ensure safety, and venues are family-oriented. Check event schedules on the website for kid-friendly timings, especially during school holidays.
How do I get to Oundle and navigate the festival?
Fly into London Luton (45 miles) or East Midlands (50 miles), then drive or take a train to Corby/Peterborough and a taxi/bus to Oundle. Venues are walkable in the town center—use the venue map on the site. Bikes work for nearby villages like Barnwell. Free parking is plentiful. Plan your route via https://www.oundlefringe.org for a hassle-free experience.
