EDMONTON – The 32nd annual Edmonton International Fringe Festival kicks off on August 15 and will showcase hundreds of performers at its Old Strathcona site until August 25.
“This year’s Fringe – number 32 – is ‘From Fringe with Love,’” explains Jill Roszell, Fringe’s executive director. “It is a take off ‘From Russia with Love,’ and it is a celebration of the 50 years of Bond on film.”
The festival features acts from around the city, the country and the world, including theatrical performances, busking acts, children’s activities, vendors, and artisans.
Roszell says the way organizers select acts always makes for an exciting line-up.
“The Fringe is uncensored and unjuried, and we chose the performers out of a hat, literally.”
“Whoever applies, we chose so many international, so many national acts, and so many local acts. We know that there’s going to be some great shows at the Fringe this year, but we never 100 per cent know because it is chosen by lottery.”
Last year, the festival welcomed about 680,000 people, and this year, organizers hope to see at least that many.
“Fringe is Fun,” adds Roszell. “At the end of the day, Fringe is fun. We are having a giant party in the middle of August, the weather is great. We are celebrating the artistic talent that comes from around the world into Edmonton as well as our true own local talent. There’s always some great discoveries here and it’s just, frankly, a lot of fun to come out and hang out on site.”
This year includes a few changes, including a community patio with a tent and picnic tables, a community gazebo, and the Walterdale beer gardens have expanded from last year.
This year’s Fringe festival also has an app. Click here to check it out.
For more information on programs, Festival passes and single tickets, click here.
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