A bold new arts festival is making its debut on the River Ouse.
The Floating Fringe is taking over unique York venue the Arts Barge, for three jam-packed days of comedy, theatre, and family entertainment, from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 July.
It aims to be a ‘fresh, homegrown celebration of creativity’, featuring local and up-and-coming talent.
With its intimate setting and grassroots ethos, The Floating Fringe aspires to be the artistic home for fringe arts, acts, and audiences alike.
Organisers say that the festival plans to build community, and give a space for independent voices to thrive.
“York has always had the talent, the audiences, and the appetite for Fringe – what it’s been missing is a space that actually belongs to the community.” said Kai West, lead organiser of The Floating Fringe.
“After seeing other commercial attempts come and go, we wanted to create something independent, accessible, and genuinely rooted in York’s creative scene.
“The Arts Barge has always been about building something meaningful for York, by York. The Fringe is just another part of that.”
The Arts Barge itself was a community and crowdfunded project, with the aim to bring an accessible floating arts space to York.
From comedy to new theatre and family-friendly daytime shows, The Floating Fringe promises an “unforgettable weekend packed with performances, connection, and grassroots energy”.
Whether you’re a fringe fanatic or just curious to see what York’s creative underground has to offer, everyone is welcome aboard.
To see the full programme of events for The Floating Fringe and to book your tickets, visit the Arts Barge website here.