This guide is for artists and companies planning to tour across the UK and Ireland. It focuses on small-scale touring spaces such as Fringe Festivals, London Fringe venues, and Rural Touring. It includes suggested touring routes, festival groupings by month, and practical tips for building an efficient, affordable tour.
MAY–JUNE
Spring Circuit from South to North
Brighton Fringe (East Sussex, May–June)
Wandsworth Arts Fringe (London, May)
Barnes Fringe (London, May)
Salisbury Fringe Spring Fest (Wiltshire, May)
Scarborough Fringe (North Yorkshire, June)
Barnstaple Fringe TheatreFest (Devon, June)
Liverpool Fringe (Merseyside, June)
Morecambe Fringe (Lancashire, June)
Melton Mowbray Fringe (Leicestershire, June)
JULY
Ireland to Northern England
Galway Fringe (Galway, Ireland)
Ballina Fringe (Mayo, Ireland)
Llangollen Fringe (Wales)
Greater Manchester Fringe (Manchester)
Durham Fringe (North East England)
AUGUST
National Tour toward Edinburgh
Sidmouth Fringe (Devon)
Ludlow Fringe (Shropshire)
Camden Fringe (London)
Gravesham Fringe (Kent)
Fringe by the Sea (North Berwick)
Edinburgh Fringe (Scotland)
Timing: Start applying in autumn or winter. Many festivals close entries by March.
Budgeting: Share travel and accommodation where possible. Look for venue deals and artist passes.
Marketing: Prepare press photos, a trailer, and clear social handles. Use hashtags and venue promo tools.
Tech: Keep your tech simple and adaptable. Bring your own operator if needed.
Networking: Use each festival to connect with other artists and programmers.
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