First Shows Announced For Ventnor Fringe 2026

The first shows for this year’s Ventnor Fringe have been revealed – with hundreds of £1 tickets up for grabs for those quick enough to secure them.

Transforming the Isle of Wight’s southernmost town from 17th to 26th July 2026, the festival has grown into one of the Island’s flagship cultural events, known for its pop-up venues and unique coastal setting.

Organisers are promising more than 150 shows spanning new theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus, music and children’s performances.

Further programme announcements are due at the end of March and again at the end of April.

To mark the first wave of shows going on sale, hundreds of £1 tickets have been released using the code ‘Vfringe26’ – terms and conditions apply – giving festivalgoers the chance to try something new for less.

Early Highlights Include:

POLICE COPS – The globally acclaimed comedy hit has enjoyed three sell-out runs at London’s Soho Theatre and an official sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The seven-time award-winning show follows rookie officer Jimmy Johnson on a mission to avenge his brother’s death and become “the best damn Police Cop ever” in a high-energy parody of 1970s and 80s American buddy cop TV shows.

The Circus Trail – Ventnor’s famous Ventnor Botanic Garden will once again open after hours as The Circus Trail returns with a brand-new cast.

Audiences will explore the tropical gardens in a promenade-style performance, discovering acrobats and circus acts hidden throughout the site.

Organisers say it’s the perfect festival adventure for adults and children alike.

The Guilty Feminist: The Road to Gilead Project – With more than 180 million downloads, chart-topping podcast The Guilty Feminist heads to Ventnor for a live show blending humour with radical hope.

Hosted by Deborah Frances-White, the show promises big laughs and bold ideas alongside fellow comedians, activists and special guests.

Norvil & Josephine – Rabbits Out Of The Hat – Following a five-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe, the vaudevillian duo bring magic, circus skills and showstopping songs in a feel-good production for adults and families.

Pick Of The Fringe – Ahir Shah, winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award, returns to host the popular comedy showcase, featuring a different line-up of comedians each night.

Club Lunar – A brand-new evening hangout for the festival, promising secret circus, a cocktail bar, live bands, DJs and late-night cabaret.

Organisers say audiences can expect an eclectic music mix spanning psych, reggae, swing, ska, jazz, African, Latin, calypso, rockabilly and rock and roll, with special guest headliners throughout the week.

Tickets for these and other events are on sale now via the Ventnor Fringe website or in person from Ventnor Exchange.