Record-breaking 1,000 events at this year's Brighton Fringe

Kicking off with a fireworks event on Thursday (May 4), the festival will see a range of comedy, theatre, dance, cabaret and circus, music, spoken word, visual art, events and film, with the event culminating on June 4.

When Brighton Fringe announced its programme in March, 970 events had registered to take part, but additional artists registering online means Brighton Fringe now includes 1,000 events.

Julian Caddy, Brighton Fringe’s managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see the record growth of Brighton Fringe. It is a massive celebration of local, national and international creativity, all thanks to the tireless work of thousands of people, to create an arts festival like no other. I look forward to joining you to explore and open my mind to the wonders that await.”

To open this year’s Fringe, the fireworks event on Thursday will take place on the south side of St Peter’s Church.

Fringe City returns to New Road, bringing the North Laine alive every weekend during the Fringe.

On Saturday (May 6), Fringe City consists of two stages packed with taster performances all afternoon. Highlights include comedy from Zach and Viggo, winners of last year’s Best Comedy Award, music, acrobatics and cheerleading from Brighton’s all-male cabaret Der Wunderlich Revue and a taster performance from the HIP Trip of Brighton, a psychedelic celebration of 1970s Brighton.

On Sunday (May 7), Fringe City audiences can dust off their dancing shoes for the Big Brighton Fringe Festival Ceilidh, try their hand at a free pottery workshop and enjoy a wealth of comedy, cabaret, music and theatre. Look out for performers from WINDOW, Brighton Fringe’s showcase for exceptional new work, including Cabaret From The Shadows and Behind The Lines.

Also happening on Saturday (MAY 6) is the first of two Brighton Fringe Family Picnics in the Pavilion Gardens, the second of which takes place on the first Saturday of half term (May 27).

For the first time this year Fringe City will also take place on Thursdays and Fridays at Bartholomew Square from May 11, in association with Sweet Venues and on the evening of June 2 there will be a Late Night Fringe City on New Road as part of The Fringe’s Final Fling.

Also new for 2017 is the Fringe City Charity Day on May 8, which will host the finish of the Mayor’s Paris-to-Brighton Charity Cycle Ride, plus community stalls and live Fringe performances.

Brighton Fringe 2017 runs May 5 to June 4.

To find out more, visit: www.brightonfringe.org