Local Spotlight on Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival: A celebration of art, culture and community

Showcasing a wealth of talent across a huge variety of genres, the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival has become a key cultural event in the Kent calendar over the past few years.

Going from strength to strength since its inception in 2021, this year's festival will feature another plethora of artists, performers and workshops across theatres, pubs, restaurants and bars across the town. From cabaret and circus performances, stand-up comedy and poetry; all the way through to children's theatre, live music and practical workshops - there is an eclectic mix in the extensive programme for everyone to enjoy.

With this year's festival running from 28th June to 13th July, we chatted to founder, Debbie King to discuss the annual event's success and what we can expect from this year's line-up...

For anyone unfamiliar with the event, how would you describe Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival?

The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival is an annual, volunteer-run arts festival, taking place from 28th June to 13th July 2025. It showcases a diverse range of performances including music, comedy, theatre, dance, spoken word, and visual arts. The festival acts as a platform for both local and national artists to perform in venues across the town.

We sit nicely between Brighton Fringe and the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, so many acts use Tunbridge Wells as a testing ground for new material before heading to Scotland.

With around 40 venues – from theatres, pubs and cafés to parks, village halls and nightclubs – there’s something happening everywhere. One of our most exciting spaces is the Rotunda Theatre in Langton Green, which features two black box theatres inside giant bubble tents.

We offer over 200 events, from live performances and workshops to free outdoor entertainment. This year, we’re running a Buy Local This Fringe scheme, where businesses such as Wagamama and Lush offer special deals to artists, volunteers and audiences.

To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re hosting a free opening event with performances by local artists and community groups, plus family-friendly entertainment including a silent disco featuring pop and musical theatre.

What’s your background? How did you get involved with the performing arts?

I’ve been involved in performing arts from a very young age. I trained professionally at Maurice Lane and the London School of Musical Theatre, before working as a performer.

After starting a family, I moved into teaching and retrained in Colourstrings, Kodály, and at the Royal Schools of Music. I’ve continued performing, including roles in Knight Crew at Glyndebourne and the BBC’s Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne – a groundbreaking opera that involved over 450 young people and was later recognised with an International Emmy Award.

Since then, I’ve led music projects for Glyndebourne and Kent Music, and became Head of Music and Drama at a school that was awarded Platinum Sing Up School status. I also received a Star Teacher Award for 15 years with Young Voices, and performed at the O2 Arena with their teachers' choir in front of 25,000 people.

Sixteen years ago, I founded The Talentz Musical Theatre Company, which continues to be a huge part of my life.

What inspired you to create the festival back in 2021?

During the Covid pandemic, I saw how hard the arts community was hit. So many local creatives were performing online, and I felt the sector wasn’t getting the support it needed. I wanted to help bring people back together – not just to perform, but to support the local businesses that had suffered too. The Fringe was born from that spirit of recovery, creativity and connection.

Now in its fifth year, you must be incredibly proud. How has the festival grown over time?

I really am proud. The festival has grown year-on-year thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers. It’s completely run by the community, and it really brings people together.

This year, we’re seeing not just local performers, but artists coming from Australia, America and across the UK. It’s incredible to see how far the word has spread.

What can we expect from this year’s programme? Are there any shows you’re especially excited about?

Honestly, I’m excited about every single show! I’m especially pleased to see more theatre in the line-up and some fabulous new acts performing in our Rotunda Theatre spaces. I’ve always loved improvised theatre and musicals – I first discovered them at the Edinburgh Fringe over 25 years ago – and we’ve got some brilliant ones this year.

Where are festival events held, and how do you work with local venues and businesses?

Events are held in a wide variety of venues – from pubs and cafés to theatres, village halls and even parks. We love turning unconventional spaces into exciting performance venues.

This year, we’re thrilled to have a pop-up theatre in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.

Local businesses have been so supportive. Many have worked with us from the very start, and their involvement is crucial to the festival’s success.

It feels like a real celebration of community. Do you think that was particularly important back in 2021?

Absolutely. After such a difficult time during the pandemic, the Fringe offered people a chance to reconnect, rediscover creativity and support one another. It felt vital then – and it still does now.

When not running the festival, you run The Talentz youth theatre. How important are events like the Fringe for young people?

They’re hugely important. The Fringe makes the arts accessible and affordable – tickets range from free to £15 – and it shows young people that creativity is something they can be part of. Whether they’re watching, performing or volunteering, it opens doors and builds confidence.

What are your top picks for children and families this year?

There’s loads to choose from! The Rotunda’s Sunday Funday is a highlight – especially The Bubble Show, which completely sold out last year. We also have family creative dance workshops, family musicals like The Wizard of Oz (performed by The Talentz youth cast), and food trucks between performances. It’s a great day out.

What workshops are available for people looking to try something new?

There’s a fantastic mix! You can try bookbinding, terrapathy, puffing and wooling, wellness sessions, and of course, dance workshops. Whether you're a beginner or looking to develop a skill, there's something to enjoy.

How can people get involved in volunteering or performing at the festival?

We’re always looking for volunteers – whether you can give an hour or several days. Roles include front of house, box office, photography, and more.

To get involved – whether as a performer or partner – visit our website, check out our linktree on our socials or email debbie@twfringe.com. If you would like to volunteer with us visit our website, check out our linktree on our socials or email david@twfringe.com.

What are your favourite hidden gems or local businesses in Kent?

There are honestly too many to name! We’re lucky to have had many loyal businesses supporting us since day one. I especially love the challenge of transforming unusual places into creative spaces – years of attending the Edinburgh Fringe taught me that anything is possible!

What are your plans for the festival as it continues to grow?

We already have exciting ideas in motion for 2026, including deeper collaborations with local schools, community groups and more local businesses.

One new development we're particularly excited about is the introduction of an award system, which will be judged by an impartial professional panel. This will allow us to formally celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions across the festival.

For this year’s Fringe, we’ve already introduced laurels to highlight achievements – such as a “Sold Out Show” laurel – helping performers stand out and gain wider recognition.

How can we find out more and book tickets?

You can find all the latest information and book tickets online at www.twfringe.com.

We’ll also have a physical box office in The Pump Room, open throughout the festival for anyone who prefers to book tickets in person or speak to someone directly.

Don’t miss our free Opening Event on 28th June (12–10pm) at the Rotunda Theatre, Hollands Farm, Langton Green, TN3 9SS – with live performances, stalls, food trucks, family fun and a silent disco. Come and see what the TW Fringe is all about!

The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival runs from 28th June - 13th July 2025. Find out more at www.twfringe.com