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Midlands Fringe Festival set to return to city

Oprah FlashWest Midlands
News imageMatt Timber Two men and a woman are standing in front of a wall that is metal and rusted. The man on the left has short blonde hair and a white goatee. The woman has brown shoulder length hair. The man on the right has short black hair with black facial hair. He is wearing a black and yellow Nirvana t-shirtMatt Timber
The festival is organised by Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists, a collective of Black Country poets, writers and performers

A festival described as bringing "a bit of Edinburgh magic" to the Midlands is set to return to Wolverhampton.

The first Midlands Fringe festival was held last year and, after securing new funding, the organisers said it would take place again in July.

Plans include 30 shows in venues across the city centre over two weekends, with a further three headline events at the city's Arena Theatre.

The festival will open on 17 July and run until 26 July.

News imagePoets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists The image shows a small live performance in an intimate indoor setting, where a performer stands and speaks in front of a seated audience. Behind the performer is a banner reading “Midlands Fringe,” indicating the event, while the audience sits closely together on chairs and sofas, watching the act. Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists
This year the festival has expanded from 15 shows to 30

It is organised by Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists, a collective of Black Country poets, writers and performers, including Emma Purshouse, Dave Pitt and Steve Pottinger.

Purshouse said: "The quality of acts we attracted in 2025, as well as the feedback we got from them and from audiences who came along to enjoy their shows, made the first Midlands Fringe really exciting and positive.

News imageDavid Price The image shows a bald man with a grey beard in historical-style costume sitting on a stool and holding a staff, appearing to act or recite in front of a “Midlands Fringe” banner.David Price
Alex Sherry performed The Tanner at the first Midlands Fringe festival last year

"We're looking forward to making this year's festival even better, and bringing the best in Fringe theatre and comedy to Wolverhampton."

Last year's festival was funded by just under £9,000 from Arts Council England, and the team has once again been awarded public funding by the National Lottery.

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