THE streets of Shaftesbury were a bustle of activity for the launch of the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival.

Fringe fever gripped the town today (July 18) as the first performers showcased their skills at various different town centre venues.

More than 300 performances will wow crowds at some seriously idyllic locations until Sunday (July 20), showcasing the very best Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Each performer set a very high bar with their talents – none more than guitarist Alan Brown, whose flawless guitar skills and original pieces reverberated around the Bell St United Church hall.

Over at Coffee #1, Conor Smith had a great reception with covers of favourites such as Jack Johnson and Randy Newman as well as some of his own work.

And it was standing room only for Karen Wimhurst and Julia Blinko, with the room packed to hear their clarinet duet at the skittles alley in the Kings Arms.

Karen Wimhurst and Julia Blinko Picture: New Blackmore Vale

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One attendee, Barbara Longmead said: “Karen and Julia were amazing! It’s so good to see the town putting on events like this.

“I’ll try and see how many acts I can catch before I lose my breath!”

“The Fringe organisers go to a lot of effort to make it special and we should all support the amazing work they do.”

Barbara Longmead Picture: New Blackmore Vale

New to 2025’s Fringe is the Big Stage, which was christened by Cliff Skey with a rendition of Christmas Day In The Morning – a particularly odd choice without context, but it is reportedly one of the oldest notated songs in the world, dating back to the 11th century.

While the Fringe officially started yesterday with a preview show, the first act for the public to enjoy was Richard Clarke who packed the hall at St Peter’s Church as people sang along to some classics from the Beatles, Queen, Elton John and more.

Shaftesbury resident Jenny Bishop said: “What a delightful way to start the Fringe! Some great classics for all to enjoy.”

Tattie Bogle proved to be favourites with their toe tapping performance – including a 17th-century recruiting song.

People enjoying the Big Stage Picture: New Blackmore Vale

Robin Walker provided a poignant reflection on remembering our place in the natural world, with the skittles alley of the Kings Arms packed to hear his musings.

Robin Walker Picture: New Blackmore Vale

Rhythm Junkie provided some excellent covers of classics, including Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, while making sure to stop to make the audience laugh with his dry humour in between songs.

Susannah, who caught Rhythm Junkie’s performance, said, “It’s great to see so many people turn out for the start of the Fringe.

“I’ve attended it before, and the best thing about it is the sheer variety of performances. You never get bored!”

Rhythm Junkie Picture: New Blackmore Vale

The sounds of virtuoso cellist and composer Emily Burridge filled the abbey museum grounds, attracting a large crowd who sat to enjoy her performance in the sun.

Day one of the Fringe continues right up until 2am tonight, with Charlie Funk House set to get the Pitchers Bar and Club rocking.

There is plenty more for people to get stuck into over the weekend.

This includes the Shaftesbury Fringe Cartoon Exhibition (town hall 10.30am to 5pm), the East Knoyle Village Choir (Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden 11am to 11.30am), Flitter, Guilt and Good Intentions – A Self-Help Cabaret Brunch (11am to 12pm) at Shaftesbury Arts Centre and comedian Tim Buglowe (12.15pm to 1pm) t St Peter’s Church).

Sunday boasts a stellar line-up, with the Count Backwards Comedy Magic Show (11am to 12pm) at the town hall, a performance by comedian, award-winning poet and storyteller Trevor Carter (11.30am to 12.30pm) at Gold Hill Museum, and a one-act dark comedy, Blue Murder at Gallows Bottom (12.30pm to 1.30pm) at the Trinity Centre Trust.

From humble beginnings, Shaftesbury Fringe has become one of the largest open-access arts events in the country.

Founded in 2016, the event sees the town open its doors to acts ranging from stand-ups to ska bands, soul singers to circus performers, with countless venues and shows to suit all tastes.

Visitors might find themselves dancing in a car park, laughing with a comedian in a ballroom, tapping their toes to a folk band at the Lido, or soaking up the ambience of Shaftesbury Abbey while enjoying a choral recital.

For the full lineup, visit www.shaftesburyfringe.co.uk or download the handy app.