New festival 'a transformative moment' for local arts scene

Totnes Fringe Festival has bucked the trend, exceeded expectations, and shows the area can become an arts hub, say organisers. Athwenna Irons reports

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ORGANISERS of the Totnes Fringe Festival say this year’s debut event has “exceeded all expectations”, marking a “transformative moment” for the arts in South Devon.

The festival, powered entirely by donations from local businesses and residents, drew audiences from across the UK and Europe to 67 performances at 11 venues including Totnes Castle and Totnes Museum - resulting in an 85% average seat occupancy and 13 shows sold out.

Those behind the event, which took place from July 11 to July 13, say this is in “stark contrast” to the Arts Council's typical average of 33% for small-scale fringe events.