Quirky tradition at Oxfringe fest (From Oxford Mail)

Quirky tradition at Oxfringe fest

OXFORD’S quirkiest festival will be taking over the city’s pubs, clubs and theatres again next month.

Simon Munnery will be taking part in Oxfringe this year

The Oxford Fringe, or Oxfringe, started out in 2007 with just two small literary events.

Five years later, 2011’s event saw 70 acts – ranging from poetry to comedy and drama – in 161 performances at 30 different venues.

Following on from its quirky tradition, this year’s event features some of the city’s newest venues, including the Old Fire Station.

Tom Crawshaw, manager of Underground Venues – which will be running events at the Broad Street venue, said: “The Fringe is all about taking a lot of things that are already happening in Oxford and running them together under one banner so people know about them.

A dance group at Oxfringe in 2009

“It means people who are not from Oxford can come to the city to perform, and people can come, see what is on offer and be part of it.”

Performers at the Old Fire Station include comedians John Hegley, Isy Suttie and Simon Munnery.

Other venues taking part include Pegasus Theatre, Art Jericho, Turl Street Kitchen, Ruskin College and the Duke’s Cut pub. There will also be outdoor street performances, workshops, literary events and activities for children.

Mr Crawshaw said: “Oxford is the perfect place for an event like this.

“Oxfringe has grown so much in such a short space of time. And it has a lot more potential to expand.”

John Hegley

The event is once again being sponsored by Brakspear Beer, brewed at Wychwood Brewery in Witney and supported by Hobgoblin Beer.

The event runs from May 30 until June 10. For more details on the line-up and venues involved, visit oxfringe.com

Tom Crawshaw