Fringe Venues
Ventnor Fringe is the Isle of Wight’s unique multi award winning arts festival. Launched in 2010 it has become one of the Island’s cultural highlights and now hosts hundreds of performances spanning theatre, comedy, cabaret, music and film screenings.
During the Fringe events take place in spaces all over Ventnor, including some very unusual venues like a laundrette and an old Parisian bus!
Below is a list of all the main venues open throughout the week.
Ventnor Exchange
(11 Church Street, PO38 1SW)
This is the central information point and hub of the Fringe. Purchase tickets for any events, get advice and information on what to see, or find help with any other enquiries.
Ventnor Exchange also houses an epic craft beer bar with more than 60 beers, fresh coffee and records spinning the perfect soundtrack in the evenings.
Open 09:00 – 00:00
St. Catherine's Church
(Church Street, PO38 1SW)
Directly opposite Ventnor Exchange, St. Catherine’s is a beautiful church, adapted with modern facilities to make it the perfect place for intimate concerts.
Outside is the beautiful 1930’s Parisian ‘Book Bus’ and outdoor seating area with a spoken word stage.
Church open for events only
Book Bus open 10:00 – 18:00 (Closed Sunday)
Ventnor Arts Club
13 High Street, PO38 1RZ
An art deco bank, now converted into a luxurious cinema and venue, with armchair seating and a bar in the vaults! This is the perfect place to catch intimate concerts and comedy, with up to 4 shows a day. With just 45 seats shows here can sell out fast!
Open for events only
Pier Street Playhouse
Baptist Church, Pier Street, PO38 1SJ
Located directly between the town centre and the cascade down to the seafront this church is converted into a bijou theatre showcasing new work from near and far.
Open for events only
Hygeia House
65 High Street, PO38 1LT
A brand new venue for this year, we’ve been hard at work transforming an old pub in the middle of town into a new hub of creativity. Now named after Ventnor’s emblem, the Greek Goddess of good health, raise a glass to her in the gin bar, explore 10 years of the Fringe in a dedicated gallery or catch a show in our new theatre!
Open 12:00 – 00:00
Harbourside
Ventnor Esplanade, PO38 1JR
A vibrant and inspiring meeting place with events for young and old, with live music every day, larger gigs in the evenings and DJ’s at night, helping you dance the night away!
Entry is ‘pay what you can’ during the daytimes too, so everyone can get involved!
Harbourside Opening Times
Harbourside Bar
12:00 – 00:00
Fringe Canteen
10:00 – 15:00 & 17:00hrs – 23:00
‘Pop up’ record store
11:00 – 17:00
The Magpie
Park Avenue, PO38 1LE
A beautiful new ‘Big Top’ tent for our 10th Anniversary which will form the centerpiece of Parkside. Featuring what we’re sure will be some of the highlights of the festival, from The Hound of the Baskervilles: The Hit Farce to Impromptu Shakespeare; cabaret star Eve Ferret to acclaimed Burlesque performer Elsie Diamond.
Open for events only
Comedy & Cabaret Tent
Park Avenue, PO38 1LE
This year we’re playing host to some of the most exciting new stand-ups on the circuit, with a whole selection of Edinburgh Previews from acts fresh from appearances on shows like Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You. Later at night the Comedy & Cabaret Tent is the place to head for if you like the sound of a quiz night hosted by puppets, a musical about a goldfish who wants to be a star, or a school for burglars!
Open for events only
Parkside Bar
Park Avenue, PO38 1LE
Whether you’re looking for a pre/post show drink or just soaking up the atmosphere, our Parkside Bar is open to all with cocktails, mocktails, craft beers and wines. Watch out for free spontaneous performances in the bar!
Opening Times
17:00 – 23:30 (Tues)
12:00 – 23:30 (Weds – Sun)
Pop Up Spaces
Located throughout Ventnor
As well as the main venues listed above they’re are dozens of pop up spaces and events dotted around Ventnor. These include performances in shops, pubs and bars around the town. There is also an Arts Trail which features exhibition spaces such as Ventnor Central and Art_House_Life alongside private homes and studios.
There are also a handful of events in the neighbouring village of Bonchurch and at Ventnor Botanic Garden to the west of the town.