Nelson's Fringe Festival takes flight after a delay due to Covid-19
The kea enclosure at Natureland might seem an odd location to film a promo video for the upcoming Nelson Fringe Festival. However, under the context of this years event it is a perfect way to promote the Fringe faithful being let out of their cage. From August 14 to the 22, the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) will host locals and visitors to a delightful, edgy array of comedy, drama, improvisation, circus and more, festival co-founder Dan Allan said. The kea is the main image of this years Festival, and was chosen for their cheeky and playful natures much like the nature of festival, Allan said. READ MORE: * Bringing Starlight to sunshine capital * Fabulous fringe launches diverse programme The Nelson Fringe Festival is the Top of the Souths only Fringe Festival and possibly one of New Zealands quirkiest. The Festival usually runs in the first week of May and features workshops during the day and performances by night. In four years the event has grown from 15 shows and six workshops to 42 shows and 15 workshops in 2018. Allan said even a postponement due to Covid-19 couldnt stop this particular bird from taking to the skies in 2020, with 31 shows locked in. Among the list is Bethany Millers Waste Not, Want Not , Mark Derbyshires Ironing Man , as well as the ever-popular sing-a-long with Tanya Nock and The Voice Collective. Headed by director Laura Irish it is fuelled by passionate individuals who have scrimped and saved over two years to ensure it could burst onto the scene this year, Allan said. The festival has been able to go ahead with huge local support in the form of quiz nights and local businesses adopting shows, giving discounts and donating product. Allans in-laws Bay Landscape and Garden Centre have stepped in as naming rights sponsors. Funding bodies such as the Nelson City Councils Nelson Regional Development Agency and the Rata Foundation also came to the party and as well as a huge effort from the trust, Allan said. Allan said the Fringe was an example of what happened when a community stepped up and said we want this to happen. Those who want to adopt a show or get involved are asked to contact Lisa@nelsonfringe.co.nz . Bay Landscapes Nelson Fringe Festival 2020 runs between August 14 and 22 at Nelson Centre for Musical Arts. Tickets from $13 + fees at Eventfinda or NCMA with earlybird sales prior to July 26 $10 + fees. Full programme at www.nelsonfringe.co.nz