Well, what a beautiful wednesday we’ve had fringers, the sun has prevailed and the grey dispersed for the day! There were so many fabulous summer outfits at carnival, but my fringe frock actually went to sleek chique Helen Egleton. Sporting an all black bohemian look with aztec silver to match, she was rocking Ventnor sea front. Low rise is the new high rise, and with ‘the height of summer’ upon us, it’s always okay to get flip flops on and that cheeky bit of mid drift out. So fringers… wednesdays top tip is – keep it simple, keep it black, add some silver and a flip flop to match !
It’s day three of the Fringe, which means more free events for you to indulge in!
For the earlybirds amongst you, Maitri is holding a yoga session in the Woodland Bar at 11am to help you loosen yourself up and prepare for the eventful day ahead of you. From 1pm, there will be art and bushcraft workshops for the whole family to enjoy- so don’t say you’re stuck for something to do! The Fringe is then hosting a Fringe Forum where the best in the industry will be discussing topical issues in festivals and the arts.
The first of the musical performances in the Woodland Bar comes from Island band Polar Maps following successful stints at Rhytmtree Festival and the Isle of Wight Festival. They will be followed by Ventnor lad Patrick Gooden, whose musical influences include Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. The final Free Fringe performance of the day in the Woodland Bar is from folk-pop band Something About Mondays ahead of their performance at Postfest later in the month.
Over in The Observatory, festival goers will be treated to another performance by Patrick Gooden and Elliot Porter, after his successful performance in the Woodland Bar yesterday. 4pm sees a solo performance from Rob Henry before his first ever full band show tomorrow, followed by jazz duo The Cool Connection, who will be bringing their smooth sounds to the fans at 6pm. With her second performance of the week, the acoustic sounds of Poppy Janella will be bringing fans into an evening performance by rock outfit The Delinquents. Closing the Free Fringe events today is a DJ set by Green & Apples who will keep you dancing throughout.
Make sure you look out for fantastic buskers and all the other secret happenings around town and remember to purchase The Fringe Pass which allows you access to the Woodland Bar, The Observatory and the shuttle buses around town. At £2, it’s a steal!
Winter Springs certainly wowed the woodlands on Tuesday night, with encore upon encore, the crowd would have happily had them play all night! The fabulous 6 piece band describe themselves as a “Harmony led, folk/pop, singer-songwriter collective” and have been compared to the likes of Bon Iver and Fleetfoxes.
In an interview after the show I congratulated the group on their fabulous set and shared with them a cheeky review note I’d made during the show …
“A happy version of Bon Iver/Daughter that would definitely give the cast of ‘Pitch Perfect’ a run for their money!” – Winter Springs
Of course that mustered a little giggle among the group and myself, but jokes aside, as a band, Winter Springs have some s.e.r.i.o.u.s harmony magic that’s too good to miss! So if you were deterred by the gloomy grey of Tuesday night, not to worry! You’ve got another chance to catch this fabulous folk pop band. They’ll be performing at the Woodland stage from 10pm-10.45pm on Friday 14th and also have their brand new EP ‘Summer is Coming’ on sale at the Exchange.
This is not one to miss, if you like 5 part harmonies, mad mandolins and singers sippin’ on chai tea, Winter Springs are a must watch for the week.
Playing again at the Woodland Bar on Friday @ 10pm.
How far does Ventnor’s sphere of influence go you ask? Well funnily enough, our little town has ended up a long way over the pond, 3511 miles over the pond to be precise. Mrs. S. Bartram Richards, the wife of the secretary-treasurer of the Camden and Atlantic Land Company, suggested the name Ventnor for an area in New Jersey, United States of America. The name ‘Ventnor City’ was chosen in 1889 and remains to this day. The city’s first meeting was held on April 20, 1903, in the Carisbrooke Inn, another name that might sound familiar to a lot of you.
Hullo my darlings! How’s every little thing? Can you believe it has been only one year since I last saw you, I know I can’t, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun (or lack thereof)! We’ve got a mighty fine line up for you to get your teeth into this year and can’t wait for you to take a good old wholesome bite.
It was Friday night when it finally dawned on me that the Fringe was a mere few days away, a sort of fleeting realisation and pulse of fear having not begun to contemplate what exactly I plan on writing (as you can most probably tell). So this is it, take it or leave it. You have my 95ish% undivided attention for one whole week (here’s the best part) FREE OF CHARGE. Yep that’s right, you heard it here first folks.
If you were with us last year you’ll know exactly how much bloody fun we had. There were laughs, tears, thrills and spills, you name it and we most probably had it. HOLD UP. Check this, this year’s fringe promises to be better and braver than ever before. We’re talking next gen entertainment all up in yo grill.
And maybe, just maybe, if we come together as one, we can make this the greatest celebration of culture the world has ever seen. You’re going to need to trust me on this one.
Mankind — that word should have new meaning for all of us tomorrow. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Tomorrow, we celebrate our Independence Day!
What has quickly become a hotly anticipated Fringe regular, The Lock In never fails to enthral. This year we were treated by the wonderful JJ Bola and Rex Domino at our Woodland Bar last night. JJ Bola returned on top form after his emphatically well-received set at the fringe the year before. Tears, laughter and everything in between was received in abundance after a truly thought provoking performance, leaving audience members with more than enough to think about. Rex Domino, go-to MC for DJ Yoda, also provided a thoroughly enjoyable set and really is one to look out for!
