New Look Newcastle Fringe Festival 2023

Australia’s biggest little fringe festival, and Newcastle’s own, has launched its 8th annual festival showcasing 398 amazing local and international artists and 135 performances across two weekends, 9 to 19 March 2023.

Looking fresh with new branding, the festival includes performances across various genres, including cabaret and burlesque, theatre and dance, comedy, music, kids’ shows and choirs.

“With travel restrictions no longer an issue, we are excited to be able to host several international artists as well as acts from interstate,” said Newcastle Fringe Chair Brooke Twyford.

“We are showcasing artists from Spain, Germany, the UK, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wagga Wagga…and Wallsend. In fact, 20 out of 50+ artist groups are homegrown right here in Newcastle and the Hunter, and we’re very proud of the role we play in the development of our local artists.”

The timing of the festival has been brought forward to avoid the NSW election weekend, and it now coincides with the Supercars Thrifty Newcastle 500, providing locals and visitors to the city with additional entertainment options. City of Newcastle is supporting the festival through the Special Business Rates (SBR) Program with the aim of activating the Hamilton business precinct to increase patronage and foot traffic.

“The Newcastle Fringe will provide a unique cultural tourism opportunity that supports our local Hamilton business community,” said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

“It will add to the vibrancy of the night-time economy and complements our Newcastle After Dark Strategy.”

Hamilton will become the Newcastle Fringe Hub in 2023 with micro-performances, pop-up ticket and merch stands and a fun festival vibe in the James Street Plaza along with performances at The Gal and Hamilton Wesley Church and a family fun weekend at The Sydney Junction Hotel that includes kids’ shows, a jumping castle and face painting. Other festival venues will include The Royal Exchange, Newcastle Comedy Club, and for the first time, the Brunker Community Theatre.

The 2023 line-up is strong on comedy, music across all genres, plenty of adult-only cabaret and burlesque, some great theatre shows and four shows just for the kids.

With tickets already on sale and Newcastle likely to fill up with visitors thanks to the Supercars, it’s a good idea to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. To view the complete program of performances or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastlefringe. com.au/events.

And if you’re keen to be more involved with the Fringe as a volunteer, working in front of house and being part of the action, the team are taking applications now through www.newcastlefringe. com.au/support-us/volunteers