SHAFTESBURY came alive with music and performance over the weekend as the 2023 fringe brought thousands of visitors to the town.

The Shaftesbury Fringe 2023 saw more than 200 performances and special events take place in venues across the town, with everything from folk walks to funky fashions, music to mindfulness featured.

And organisers said the event had been a big success – despite some trying weather across the weekend.

A spokesperson said organisers had been ‘blown away by the love shown for Fringe’.

“It takes a lot for performers to turn up and do their thing in our small Dorset town, where this year rail strikes and wild weather added an extra layer of challenge, but the overriding message is that they do so because of the warmth of the welcome they receive,” they said.

And they had a special message for fans who endured the bad weather on Saturday to enjoy the celebrations.

“You didn’t let the horizontal wind and rain on Saturday put you off – if anything, you seemed more determined than ever to show your support – and the performers and venues can’t thank you enough for it,” they added.

“We’re so glad the sun shone on us all on Sunday.”

The organising committee thanked everyone who helped make Fringe 2023 happen, from sponsors and venues to performers and public.

“See you all in 2024,” the spokesperson said.