What a brilliant start to the festival!
Last Saturday, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming artists, production crews, and supporters to our 2025 launch party at the fantastic King’s Arms. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the excitement and creative energy that makes July in Manchester so special. As we enter our 14th year, it was the perfect way to bring everyone together before the curtain rises on a month of unforgettable shows.
The party was a chance for performers to take to the stage and share a sneak peek of their work. We heard from one artist whose powerful show, Songs in the Key of Love, was written to “forgive my dad” and explores vulnerability through the moving sound of men’s choirs. We also got a taste of the wonderfully ambitious Every Single Sound in the World, a show that promises to be full of “good vibes.”
It was a powerful reminder of what this festival is all about.
A Melting Pot for Artists
We were thrilled to hear from so many performers about what the Fringe means to them. One artist perfectly described the festival as a “melting pot for artists from all disciplines to get together to not only observe each other’s art but to connect, network and work with each other.”
That is exactly what we strive to be. We are incredibly proud to be part of a thriving network of regional festivals across the country. These spaces are vital, offering a platform for artists to test new ideas, gather feedback, and build excitement for their work. It truly is a great place to start.
Our Mission: Empowering Creativity
For us, the Fringe has always been about one thing: the artists.
Our goal is to do more than just provide a stage. We want to give people the tools to succeed. As our team explained on the night, we run workshops on everything from marketing to media because we believe in empowering creators to “be your own advocate.”
We do this because we want to help artists. We believe that if we don’t actively support new work and the people brave enough to make it, then no new art is going to happen. It is a privilege to be there to help them on their journey.
Here’s to the Future!
The energy at the launch party was just a taste of what’s to come. We want the Greater Manchester Fringe to go on “pretty much ever,” and with the passion and talent we saw in the room, we know its future is bright.
Thank you to every single person who is part of our Fringe family. We cannot wait to share a month of incredible theatre, comedy, music, and art with you all across Manchester.
See you at a show!
The Team at Greater Manchester Fringe
