Community groups invited to share their creativity as part of Paddock Wood Fringe
Do you run a community arts group in Paddock Wood or the surrounding villages? We would love to invite you to take part in a new, open-doors arts festival launching this October. The Paddock Wood Fringe is a community-led festival inspired by the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe. Running alongside the established Paddock Wood Proms classical concert series, it offers a relaxed, welcoming alternative that celebrates participation, creativity, and connection across the whole community.
Rather than programming everything centrally, the Fringe invites groups to simply open their doors during October. This might mean a short performance, a workshop, a taster session, a rehearsal with an audience, or a sharing of work in progress — hosted in your usual space (or elsewhere, if you don’t have room) and in your own style. There is no requirement to be professional or polished. If you already run something creative, the Fringe simply asks you to share it.
All participating events will be listed on a shared Fringe website, creating a town-wide programme that audiences can explore throughout the month. The festival will culminate in a larger showcase event bringing together community groups and invited performers.
Paddock Wood has changed and grown enormously in recent years, and the Fringe is an opportunity to reflect that. We are particularly keen to hear from groups and individuals who would like to share the music, words, languages, and creative traditions that matter to them — whatever background or community they come from. The aim is to place different cultures side by side, encouraging curiosity, listening, and genuine neighbourliness.
All events are free to attend, ensuring the festival is open to everyone in the community regardless of their circumstances.
If your group is interested in taking part, or would simply like to find out more, please get in touch — we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact:
Christine Spicer
events@paddockwoodfringe.org.uk
07463 545606 (dedicated line)