Every year we get asked about the possibility of having a single ticket that gets you into multiple events. Introducing our solution…Fringe Fridays
Fringe Fridays, taking place on (you guessed it) both Fridays of the Fringe, are mini music festivals in their own right, with a single ticket getting you access to The Big Top area in the Fringe Village for the whole day.
On both days the live music kicks off at 2pm, running right through into the evening and you can come and go as you please. In this article we take a closer look at the line up.
Not interested in the gigs? Fear not, the rest of Ventnor Fringe will be running as normal on these days, with many other shows and events also on offer.
The Big Moon
We’re quite literally over the moon to announce none other than The Big Moon will be headlining our first Fringe Friday event! Nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for their 2017 debut ‘Love in the 4th Dimension’ before returning in early 2020 with the massive ‘Walking Like We Do’ in which band members Juliette Jackson, Soph Nathan, Celia Archer and Fern Ford provided an even more assured follow up. Lead single ‘Your Light’, about finding solace in relationships during chaotic times, has amassed over 15million streams on Spotify alone.
With impeccable timing the band have just returned to the soundwaves with new single ‘Wide Eyes’ and a new album, charting the experience of pregnancy and having a child, slated for this Autumn.
Tonstartssbandht
American psychedelic noise rock duo formed of Edwin and Andy White (long time guitarist in Mac Demarco’s band) who we’ve been very excited about for some time! Travelling all the way from Florida for a European tour taking in some of the continents finest capital cities and…Ventnor. Yep, we’re absolutely stoked they are making the detour to visit the Isle of Wight before their London show.
Blood Wizard
An artist who straddles genres to create a sound uniquely their own, Blood Wizard’s brand of ‘Wonky Folk’ blends components of classic folk with avant-garde to create an environment to which his distinctive character can wander freely. Drawing similarities to the narrative led by murmurings of Kurt Vile as well as the unpredictability of Crack Cloud, it’s less about fitting in for Burns and more about developing a world, where the mystique and sheer eccentricity of Blood Wizard can be fully let loose.
Anchorsong
Originally from Tokyo, and now based in London, Anchorsong AKA Masaaki Yoshida is a highly-fêted producer, and solo live act, renowned for crafting immersive and rhythmic releases. He has supported artists such as Bonobo, Portico Quartet, DJ Krush, Daedelus, Jaga Jazzist, and performed at prestigious venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall and Camden Roundhouse in London.
Goat Girl
Another act we’ve wanted to bring to the Island for years, Goat Girl is one of the most exciting and energetic new bands around. The South London based quartet released their second album ‘On All Fours’ in 2021, firmly establishing them as a force to be reckoned with, with their post-punk sounds recognised alongside peers like Fontaines D.C. They share the barbed ferocity of Fat White Family, but also explore interesting electronic elements. The melancholy dance-punk of Sad Cowboy has a synth breakdown that recalls Caribou’s ‘Can’t Do Without You’
CHAMPS
One of the Island’s most successful music exports and long time supporters of Ventnor Fringe CHAMPS have been busy working on their much anticipated fourth album, slated for a release later in the year, and will be previewing new songs at the festival!
Formed by brothers Mike and Dave Champion it’s been nearly three years since The Hard Interchange and we can’t hear to see what they’ve been working on.
Luca Wilding
With his incredibly distinctive vocals, a rare mix of the soulful and the operatic, we’ve been hooked ever since Luca performed an intimate show at Ventnor Exchange. Inspired by singers like Leonard Cohen and having recorded his debut album at the prestigious Chale Abbey Studio down the road this should be a really special performance.
Greg Foat
Greg Foat is one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists, composers and music producers. He’s worked with a diverse selection of musicians including Bob Lind, Moses Boyd, Curtis Lundy, Rita Ora, Wendy James, Questlove and The Kooks.
A prolific musician, in recent years he’s recorded for Jazzman Records, Athens Of The North and Strut. Despite living on the Island it’s his first (and long overdue!) Ventnor Fringe performance.
