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 as Mitch Benn: Asking Elvis (11th & 15th July), which sees the acclaimed comedian
and songwriter blend music and sharp satire. Jody Kamali: This Is My Dad (3rd July) offers a
heartfelt and humorous exploration of family, identity and growing up between cultures, while
Crowd Work with President Obonjo (4th July) 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 (4th July), a quirky new show packed with stellar storytelling and eccentric
humour.
Music fans can look forward to Southern Beauty featuring Alison Wheeler (23rd July), with the
former The Beautiful South vocalist performing much-loved songs and soulful classics. Local
musical theatre ensemble In Good Company present Heart & Music (3rd
– 4th July), 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 (5th July), while the high-energy Wrestling World Cup (12th July) 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.
