What is Chichester Fringe?
Chichester Fringe is an arts festival in Chichester, West Sussex, showcasing theatre, comedy, music, dance, spoken word and more from talented performers. We break down barriers for artists, providing venues, mentoring support and a space without financial risk to the performers themselves (and of course to provide entertainment for audiences far and wide!).
Run by passionate volunteers, it's our aim to support and mentor up-and-coming performers of the local area and beyond, by providing a free space to perform and enable them to showcase their work.
Image: Chichester Fringe 2026 Brochure; Jonathan Fiske Photography.
When is the 2027 festival?
Chichester Fringe 2026 takes place between 30 May and 14 June at local arts venues and entertainment hotspots in our area (have a guess where...).
Previous festivals took place in 2021 (via livestream), 2022 (a series of hybrid online/in-person events taking place throughout the city), 2023 and 2024 (all in-person).
Image: Phil Green; David Richardson Photography.
How do I take part?
Applications for 2027 will open soon.
If you don't want to perform, but have skills in marketing, social media, event production or just want to give some of your time to a community arts organisation, contact us with a little information about you and what you could bring to the Fringe.
We're looking for people of all backgrounds and experience to get involved in the many events throughout our beautiful city.
Image: Trains in the Night; David Richardson Photography.
Do your team get paid?
At the moment, no. Chichester Fringe is a community interest company, meaning money made goes straight back into the business to further our ambitions of creating more opportunities for up-and-coming performers.
The whole team volunteer their time to the festival.
Image: Paul Cox/Epic Comedy; David Richardson Photography
Will I get money for performing?
(This is subject to change, though we're aiming not to!).
Chichester Fringe works on a profit share basis between the Fringe and the artists.
This will be a 50% split for most venues (50% to Chichester Fringe and 50% to the artist with the exception of productions at the 'The Nest' where the split is 60% to Chichester Fringe and 40% to the artist). Chichester Fringe cover all the venue costs and we do not ask for any fees to take part, as we aim to be as accessible as possible and provide a platform for all artists.
Image: Darwin's Cleaner; Jonathan Fiske Photography.
Photo: Hollie Chamberlain