Haslemere didn’t let a little rain dampen their fun as thousands of festival-goers flocked to Lion Green last weekend. 

Umbrellas were opened and hoods pulled up as the sky emptied over the Fringe, but this didn’t deter anyone from enjoying the world-class music and performances over the three-day festival. 

Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024
Blue take centre stage at the Fringe PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography (Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography)

Emerging artists like SKYE, Louella, and Aqualine appeared alongside famous headliners, which this year included Daniel Bedingfield, Rebecca Ferguson, T'Pau, and Blue.

Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024 PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography
Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024 PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography (Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography)

The July weekend showcased the best that Haslemere has to offer and brought together people of all ages to enjoy good music and food. 

Ken Griffiths, chairman of the Haslemere Fringe Festival, said: “The festival is a not-for-profit, family-friendly festival, run entirely by volunteers and takes place every two years on Lion Green in the heart of Haslemere. The Fringe is supported by a wonderful network of incredible volunteers and local businesses, as well as incredibly generous sponsors – for which the Fringe Committee thanks you wholeheartedly – we really couldn’t do this without your continual support.

Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024
The Howlers at Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024 PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography (Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography)

“Bring on Haslemere Fringe Festival 2026!”

Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024 PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography
Milton Jones headlined at the Fringe Comedy Club PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography (PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography)

The festival not only supports local and emerging artists but also partners with several charities in Haslemere, including The Hunter Centre, which supports people living with dementia, and the Talk to Me Counselling Service at Haslewey Community Centre.

Haslemere Fringe Festival 2024 PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography
The Rock Choir rock on PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography (PIC: Jo Martin, WildTrack Photography)

Town Mayor, Cllr Oliver Leach, posted: “I am feeling very proud and pleased to be part of such an amazing community. Haslemere has some of the most dedicated, community-minded, and lovable people I have ever met (wife included). This town does so many incredible things and helps a large range of groups and families. The Fringe was a showcase of just how great our town is.

“Massive thank you to you all who make this town so special. I admit though, it's not perfect, but it's nearly there.”