Watford Fringe Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Expansive Summer Programme

Marking ten years of outstanding creativity, the Watford Fringe Festival returns this July with an exciting month-long programme of live performance. Bringing together theatre, music, comedy, dance, family entertainment and more, the festival continues to showcase a vibrant mix of award-winning local talent, award-winning acts and internationally recognised performers to the heart of Watford. 

First launched in 2016 to support and champion local creative talent, the Watford Fringe Festival has flourished into an established platform for artists from across the UK and beyond, while continuing to nurture performers from the local community. Over the past decade, the festival has expanded year on year, as well as continuing online during the pandemic – becoming a key part of Watford’s cultural calendar. Originally held in October, the Festival moved to July in 2024 to bring even more events and activity under the Fringe umbrella throughout the summer. 

This year’s programme features more than 70 performances ranging from pre-Edinburgh previews and renowned stand-up comedians to premieres of new work, returning audience favourites, live music performances and emerging local artists. Highlights include comedy offerings such asMitch Benn: Asking Elvis(11th& 15thJuly), which sees the acclaimed comedian and songwriter blend music and sharp satire.Jody Kamali: This Is My Dad(3rdJuly) offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of family, identity and growing up between cultures, while 

Crowd Work with President Obonjo(4thJuly) brings an audience-led comedy style that has made the self-proclaimed African dictator a firm Fringe favourite. Completing the comedy line-up is Alice Keys: Rocket Fan(4thJuly), a quirky new show packed with stellar storytelling and eccentric humour. 

Music fans can look forward toSouthern Beauty featuring Alison Wheeler(23rdJuly), with the former The Beautiful South vocalist performing much-loved songs and soulful classics. Local musical theatre ensemble In Good Company presentHeart & Music(3rd– 4thJuly), featuring West End performer Ashleigh Fleming (Phantom of the Opera) in a celebration of musical theatre favourites and contemporary hits. Audiences can experience the passion and artistry of Flamenco from Spain(5thJuly), while the high-energyWrestling World Cup(12thJuly) brings the action as international WWE wrestlers go head-to-head. 

Organised by the Watford Pump House in partnership with Watford Borough Council and sponsored by Watford Town Centre, the festival continues to thrive thanks to the support of its venues, volunteers and local partners. Participating venues include Watford Pump House, Watford Colosseum, Watford Palace Theatre, West Herts College, Lanchester School, and St Mary’s and St John’s Churches, transforming the town into a hub of creativity and live entertainment. Every year, dozens of volunteers help promote performances and welcome audiences across the festival, contributing to the warm and community-focused atmosphere that has become central to the Watford Fringe experience. 

Chair of the Watford Pump House Lee Farman comments,When we first floated the idea of staging a performing arts Fringe festival here in Watford, we had no idea that 10 years on it would have grown into the success it is today. We’re really excited about the range and quality of performing arts we’re able to bring audiences in Watford this year. Some of these shows are going to sell out fast so we highly recommend booking your tickets early to avoid disappointment. 

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