The first wave of more than 60 shows has been revealed for this year’s Ventnor Fringe, which is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s fastest growing arts festivals. Transforming the Isle of Wight’s southernmost town from 17th -26th July 2026, the festival has grown into an unmissable event, famous for its pop-up venues and unique island setting. Promising over 150 shows spanning the best new theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus, music and children’s shows, the full programme will be announced at the end of April.
Early highlights include globally acclaimed comedy blockbuster POLICE COPS, fresh from three sell out runs at Soho Theatre and Edinburgh Fringe. The 7-time award winning production follows Rookie police officer Jimmy Johnson on his mission to avenge his brother’s death and become “the best damn Police Cop ever!”
Explore Ventnor’s famous Botanic Garden after hours as The Circus Trail returns with an all-new cast of acrobats and performers. Transforming the tropical gardens in a unique promenade performance for all ages.
Chart topping podcasts The Guilty Feminist bring their bold new initiative, The Road to Gilead Project, while Drunk Women Solving Crime return to solve another mystery.
Other highlights include Rabbits Out Of The Hat, featuring vaudevillian duo Norvil & Josephine with breathtaking magic, anarchic live variety event The Mr Thing Show, hosted by the hilarious Tom, Owen and Puppet Steve, along with Ventnor favourites Impromptu Shakespeare who will be inventing new plays by the Bard every night!
Cabaret fans shouldn’t miss Frisky’s Remix Roulette, the Matriarch of Twisted Pop Cabaret, impressionist Jess Robinson remaining Elton John’s greatest hits or award-winning duo A&E Comedy’s game show Do All The Things which promises a joyous middle finger to despair and disconnection.
Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Ahir Shah returns to host the ever-popular Pick of the Fringe while Frankie Monro’s Pick n Mix will showcase the festival’s more alternative humour.
Comedians with solo shows confirmed so far include Felicity Ward, Sam Nicoresti, Tom Ballard, Lara Ricote, Tom Ward, Lil Wenker, Li Jin Hao, Lou Wall and Thor Stenhaug.
The new Club Lunar promises to be the best evening hang out at the festival with circus, a cocktail bar, bands, DJs and late-night cabaret every night. Each evening you’ll find special guests headliners and an eclectic music policy spanning psych, reggae, swing, ska, jazz, African, Latin, calypso, rock-a-billy, and rock and roll.
Ventnor offers a unique setting for festivities, set in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and National Landscape, with miles of secret coves, stunning coastline and ancient woodlands to discover. A contender in the upcoming UK Town of Culture competition, it’s pitched itself at the forefront of exploring the relationship between people and nature.
Previous praise for Ventnor Fringe –
Head to the hilly streets of Ventnor… for alt festivities – with a side order of beachy vibes. Art loves will discover a whole creative world. – Time Out
One hell of a homegrown festival….an authentic, bohemian festival experience” – The Independent
…rapidly becoming the country’s most surprising and inspirational multidisciplinary arts festival – The Sunday Times
Main Image: Ventnor Fringe Pepperpot HERO by Vicki CouchmanThis post was last modified on April 7, 2026 10:01 am