Open daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at:

• Jackdaw Gallery, West St. - Friday 26 June to Sunday 5 July
• Laxton Long Room - Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 5 July

An exciting art exhibition of local artists including superb paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, glass and leatherwork. There will be something to delight everyone, all work is unique. Work by Ingrid Hunter, Jane Catherine Sanders, Philip Wilks, Pip Rawlings, Deborah James, Adrian Duffin, Hilary Moralee, Justin Capp, Luisa Mclean, Uli Bankart, Mike Moralee, Marlene Snee, Jeremy Hunter, Pauline Connor. This year we are delighted to have work in both the Laxton Long Rooms, opposite St. Peter’s Church, and in the Jackdaw Gallery on West Street.

Fascinating performance of period music on period instruments with performers in costume. Instruments include hurdy gurdy, vielle, Renaissance guitar and lute guitar.

Showcase duets from two emerging Cambridge virtuosos, whose portfolio already includes three albums, film scores and BBC Radio airtime.

George Smith is a cellist, composer and producer. He graduated from Queens’ College, Cambridge, during which time he studied cello with Hannah Roberts at the Royal Academy of Music. He previously attended the junior department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he was a finalist in the 2020 Lutine Prize. 

He has taken part in masterclasses with distinguished musicians including Sébastien Van Kuijk and Steven Isserlis, and has performed at festivals and venues such as Kings Place, the Lake District Summer Music Festival and Southwell Music Festival, as well as appearing on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. Under his project 30 Century Man, he has released three albums, performed at Electric Castle in Romania, and received frequent airplay on BBC radio.  Alongside his work as a performer, George is active as a composer and producer, creating string arrangements for a wide range of projects and contributing to film scores. He performs on a 1765 cello by Louis Guersan, kindly lent by the Capron family at Southwick Hall.

Sign up for NIGHT ONE of the Oundle Fringe Battle of the Bands 2026. Performers can either choose to enter the first heat on NIGHT ONE or if this date doesn’t work, then alternatively bands can choose to play in the second heat on NIGHT TWO which is being held on Saturday 4th July. Both nights will be held at The Ship Inn, West St., Oundle. Each band will play once in the competition either on Night One or Night Two. The judges will attend both of the two nights and will declare the winner after all bands have played. The prize for the winning band is to join the Outlaw Eagles for a great night at the Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle on Friday 10 July. To sign up for the battle use the QR code or the link below: https://forms.gle/jDGJG3iwfPfTkzTq9

Live band playing toe-tapping tunes from around the British Isles with dance instruction from irrepressible caller Chris Sanders. Entrance by ticket £12 - available from: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/oundle-fringe-festival

Triple Seven is a dynamic six-piece bringing a fresh twist and impressive vocal harmonies to classic upbeat rock, pop and indie hits from the sixties to the noughties, perfect for a great night out. The group has established itself as one of the leading bands in the area, playing live (no backing tracks or trickery!). They are regular headliners at Casterton Beer Festival and are sought-after for weddings and private functions in Oundle, Stamford, Peterborough and beyond. https://youtu.be/E8s1LoqAK28

Paul Galloway started to learn to play the guitar when he was 13. After graduating from university in Sheffield and drama college in London his guitar skills often came in handy in plays he performed as a professional actor touring the U.K. and Europe. He then taught Speech and Drama in Stamford for many years before retiring and contenting himself with performing regularly in a number of local venues. Paul sings self-penned and traditional folk songs amongst an array of wonderful music.

A magical family concert of Disney hits and classic songs. Amelia Mae Glendinning is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Castor, currently in her final year at Italia Conti Drama School, studying Musical Theatre. With a deep love for Disney and experience as a part-time princess, Amelia brings magic and joy to every performance. Don't miss this wonderful afternoon concert with Amelia Mae suitable for all, but especially ages 16 and under!

Wonderful live music including original compositions and covers from singer/songwriter/guitarist Matt Carter and folk singer Lottie.

Gorgeous vocals from 16-year-old singer Lilly Dixon, accompanied by Glen McCabe on guitar.

Lilly, a Lower Sixth student from Oundle has just released her first single.

Wansford Ukulele Folk are a group of happy strummers who get together once a week. Having started just over 6 years ago with 6 players they have grown to 24! They are led by Lin Griffiths and play an eclectic mix of music, having fun at all kinds of events from festivals to weddings, birthdays and parties. Come along and join in the fun!

Stella Hensley and the Magical Amigos are a 3-piece collection of musical friends. Renowned guitarists John 'Magic Boy' Wright (Split Whiskers) and Chris Newman (Climax Blues band) join Stella who is a bluesy songstress with a velvet voice. This trio brings you heartfelt blues, folk and Americana. Not to be missed!

Dan Hughes is a hugely respected musician and very talented singer with a great range of songs.

He is utterly professional with a true passion for what he does and is a highly regarded performer in the Midlands, across the UK and has toured in Europe, the Far East and the Caribbean.

Join us at the Ship Inn for a great evening of acoustic rock and pop favourites with the fantastic Dan Hughes.

You really don’t want to miss this session!

Uplifting, timeless covers and heartfelt originals: a melodic blend of keyboard and voice.

Esther Caws will ease you into a perfect lunchtime at the Talbot Hotel.

Pennyless will fire up fiddle and banjo, guitar and bass, to bring a bright mix of roots instrumentals from America, Ireland and England alongside songs from their back catalogue of albums and tasty covers! We have been here before but expect a high wire live performance with a difference with Ray Duffy on banjo, mandolin and guitar, Les Mad Dog Woods on guitar, Penny Stevens on violin and Colin Benton on bass.

Stamford Shoestring Theatre Company Ltd are delighted to present Home Truths - a collection of music, poetry and prose themed around the importance of home and what happens when home is lost and we become refugees. This specially curated collection of thought-provoking pieces draws from a diverse literary range - from Paddington, to poetry to Shakespeare. The performance will also include a very special guest appearance from a local author. The audience can expect to be entertained, intrigued, moved and surprised. Stamford Shoestring Theatre Company Ltd is the resident amateur theatre company at Stamford Arts Centre. Shoestring enjoys a thriving membership and produces four productions each year. There are roles both on stage and back stage in each production and joining in is very easy. Simply go to the Shoestring website at www.stamfordshoestring.com and follow the links. www.stamfordshoestring.com

Epigone Jazz Ensemble have a collective musical experience of more than a century, playing almost every style of music. Their shared love, however, is Jazz from all eras.

They play Cool Jazz from the 1920s to the 2020s - from American Songbook Standards to Blue Note Classics and from Latin Jazz hits to funky Modern Jazz interpretations of Jazz Classics.

In describing their music, audiences have used adjectives such as jazzy, swinging, cool, funky, tight, heavy, modern, original, chill, refreshing and woof!

They say 'almost everywhere we play, we are asked to play again, which must say something about our style of playing and vast repertoire'. They have played regularly at well-known local venues such as Mama Liz's in Stamford. They have also played at diverse events including boutique festivals, such as at Woodfordstock in Woodford, Northamptonshire, in aid of Cransley Hospice, family gatherings, coffee shop gigs, small jazz clubs, weddings and corporate events.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18ELUXgA5L/

The Big Folk Session is certainly large - in fact, huge on fun! Bring your instrument and join in or simply take a seat, make yourself comfortable and listen to some excellent music!

Traditional folk songs telling tales of land and sea, past and present, from local singer and guitarist Chris Sanders.

Nick Penny is a writer, musician, instrument maker and lover of the natural world. In his multimedia performances he delights in what can be seen and heard when we approach nature with patience and curiosity. Come along and listen to atmospheric harp and hand-pan music and insights into Nick’s wonderful writings and music. You will be delighted!

A massive double bass rescued from a cellar under a bar in Spain, a tiny mandolin with just one careless owner, two voices with the rich warm patina that comes from lives well lived - all in perfect harmony (yes really)! crafted over many mornings in a shed with an awesome view over Bulwick. Hilary Caley and Geoff Brown offer high-energy, traditional and original songs peppered with bittersweet humour and the occasional sensitive parts! Don't miss this opportunity to hear some wonderfully engaging sing-along music!

Stevie Jones is an independent singer songwriter based in Kings Cliffe, Northants.

He is also very active as a co-promoter in Oundle assisting with hosting the regular Little Ember Sessions at The Talbot Hotel.

With a musical career spanning four decades of touring and recording he has touched genres ranging from alternative rock, Americana, alt folk and progressive rock and his full band Stevie Jones and The Wildfires have released 4 acclaimed albums to date.

With the Wildfires currently in hiatus Stevie is now focusing as a solo artist and acoustic collaborations including a new partnership with Peterborough-based guitarist Dean Sheldrick.

https://steviejones.com/home

A great lunchtime opportunity to hear the very talented BirchwoodKnight covering old standards, jazz and toe-tapping instrumental folk tunes from the British Isles and America.

At the Regency Tea Dance there is a wonderful chance to learn and enjoy the dances of the Jane Austen period with dancers from Grantham Danserye. Wear costume if you have it and bring cakes and sandwiches to share for tea. Don’t miss what will be a very enjoyable Tuesday afternoon in the splendid Queen Victoria Hall.

Crosskey Clog and Peterborough Morris join with Five String Thing for a lively evening of traditional dance and music.

An evening of performance poetry.

Live stand-up poetry from talented local writers. Join them and read your poems to an appreciative crowd or enjoy the poetry of others over a drink. Look forward to seeing you there!

Richard Booth is an acoustic finger-style guitarist, inspired by the great Chet Atkins, by Villa Lobos, Clive Carroll, John Renbourn and many more.

He plays mixed styles of classical, ragtime and jazz.

Come and enjoy this lunchtime serving of superb music.

Kites Collective are a bunch of old musical friends from Leicestershire and Buckinghamshire, playing a mixture of pop, folk and original songs in a relaxed and entertaining manner. Audience participation is welcome!

Phil Riley, guitar and vocals, cut his musical teeth in the Midlands folk clubs of the early 70s. Neil Mercer, guitar, mandolin, vocals and pipes, did likewise in the clubs of Cumbria.

You can find their CD, ‘Lost Legions’, on all of the main media platforms, Spotify, Apple etc by searching for ‘Phil Riley’ and examples of some of their material on their collaborative YouTube channel.

Tim Smith, bass and vocals, and Deborah Seabrook, vocals, ukulele and percussion will be joining them at Dexters.

https://youtu.be/KILfJMT35JQ

https://youtu.be/K-sPg_UxbAQ?si=CJAeoX-N7EypNMBz

 

A concert of love poems and music from the cello suites of J.S.Bach. Born in Dublin, David Burrowes sang as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral. Later, he was a choral scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he read music.   He has played as guest principal cello with the London Mozart Players and City of London Sinfonia, as well as performing extensively with the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. David held the post of Principal Cello in the London production of Phantom of the Opera from 1998- 2020, and is currently Principal Cello for English Classical Players and Southern Pro Musica. Sarah Hayhurst is a Professional Communications Expert, with an MA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London. Having worked in the highly successful creative industries for more than twenty-five years as a freelance vocal coach, theatre director & actor, Sarah has garnered many accolades and high-profile credits including Voice Coach on two Olivier Award Nominated Productions, & residences at various internationally renowned drama schools.

The Fabulous Fringe Festival Quiz! Get your team together for this light-hearted but ever-so-slightly challenging popular quiz with some great prizes. The Fringe Festival Quiz will be held in the rear function room at The Ship Inn. Doors open from 6:00 pm with the quiz starting at 6:30 pm. Time to get a drink and a bite. Please note: Teams of up to 5 people. Entrance by ticket at only £5 per person.

NEWS UPDATE

 

Living Proof was formed in Northamptonshire in 2023, when three members of the defunct blues band Rough Justice got back together to play some acoustic music. They have written the majority of their repertoire and the songs reflect their interest in the world around them and relationships real and imagined. The band members have all enjoyed long careers in music - Kevin McNally (dobro, guitar, vocals) toured in America and the UK with his blues band Red Dog. Gerald Claridge (guitar, fretless bass guitar, vocals) is well known on the UK folk-rock and ceilidh scene, and Simon Loake (guitars, bass, mandolin, harmonica, vocals) has played as a session man, accompanist and band member in the realms of rock, blues, pop, and disco music. Their combined talents, catchy tunes and erudite lyrics make for a great evening’s entertainment. Playing great rock, blues, swing and country music, they will have you smiling, certainly toe-tapping and more than likely dancing!

Jake and Helen are an acoustic duo who bring an electric atmosphere with them covering songs from the likes of The Killers, Stereophonics, Alanis Morrisette, Adele, Amy Winehouse and many more. Fancy a dance and a sing-song? Then come along to this show. You will love it!

Oundle Loves Singing was founded by local musical director Stephen Bell when contemplating how could he start a choir in Oundle when all of his evenings were full. The concept of a daytime choir in Oundle started in April 2023 with an ad on Facebook - simple as that.  It didn’t take long before 15 to 20 singers were regularly turning up and that number kept growing until there are now over 35 in the choir. In December 2025, Stephen returned to full-time employment.  Passionate about ensuring the longevity of OLS, he expanded the Music Team and brought in his good friend Joshua Daniels (aka ‘The Tenor’) to work alongside himself assisted by Marion Clydesdale. There is no audition for OLS and you don’t have to be able to read music (although it helps).  The choir perform from memory and have a varied repertoire from sacred to community to show songs. For Oundle Fringe, there will be a programme of mixed songs from their repertoire from show tunes to classical pieces sung a cappella.

Tune your ears to early music airs, as the Carolean Ensemble weave violin and wind instruments into the cello continuo and harpsichord. A feast of the Baroque.

As its name implies, the Carolean Ensemble was formed in the King’s Coronation year by Caroline Hawkins.

They play predominately Baroque music by such composers as Bach, Telemann, Handel, Quantz and Oswald and meet on a monthly basis here in Oundle.

The current members of the group are Ann Speyer, Sue Healey,  Ros Wilmot, Doug Northwood and Charles Cornford.  They use a combination of violin, flute and recorder instruments with a ‘cello continuo and harpsichord/spinet.

Currently they play at modern concert pitch on mostly modern instruments, though otherwise still aim to produce an authentic sound

NEWS UPDATE: We are delighted renowned, local opera singer Maureen Braithwaite will be joining the performance with the Caroleans on Thursday 2nd July in the Laxton Long Room, 2pm.

Maureen Brathwaite – Soprano

Born in London to Barbadian parents, Maureen studied at the Guildhall School and in Florence, before embarking on an international career as an opera, oratorio and concert soloist. She has performed at opera houses and concert halls in Paris, Lyon, Geneva and Germany – as well as, closer to home, at ENO, WNO, Birmingham Opera and in Scotland.

Maureen's repertoire ranges from the Requiems of Mozart, Brahms and Verdi, to Villa Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras and Gershwin's Porgy and Bess (Glyndebourne); from Despina (Così fan tutte) to Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni). She is a ’Soloiste de Radio France’.

Maureen is a mentor for SingersResound and the Pegasus Opera Mentoring Programme.

 

Classical favourites played by the string section of Oundle’s Rusty Players.

JP & The Hat are an electro‑acoustic duo delivering feel‑good, rock‑tinged singalong classics with a hint of humour. From Springsteen to Mumford & Sons, CCR to David Gray, The Eagles, Bryan Adams, Neil Young and The Beatles, their setlist is packed with legendary tunes, warm harmonies, and the kind of choruses that get a crowd going. Don't miss this one! An evening you won't forget!

The Dusty Seagulls are a 5-piece rock n roll/alternative band from Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. Their set mixes country, bluegrass, rock n roll and indie music, as well as some originals featured on BBC Introducing. The band gigged around these areas for 2 years and even put on their own ticketed shows. Last year the band won the Oundle Fringe Festival Battle of the Bands giving them the opportunity to open at The Party at the Wharf. The band are extremely excited to be back in Oundle and hope you will come along and support them!

Kevin McNally…AKA Doc Lesyeux! Kevin has been doing this for a little while now! Starting in the 70s with local rock bands, through the 80s and 90s as singer guitarist with his own blues bands, and depping in countless covers bands, more recently playing steel guitar with bluegrass bands, and currently the trio Living Proof and country band The Western Earls. He plays an eclectic mix of songs, some covers, some his own, with the odd steel guitar instrumental thrown in. From folk, jazz and blues through new wave to country and rock, from Fats Waller to the Georgia Satellites, Dylan to Gallagher (Rory not Liam!) and many stops in-between. All linked with a stream of consciousness and humour, but no miserable introspection! Kevin has played countless clubs, pubs and venues across the UK and Europe, including The Stables, Wavendon, the Water Rats, London, The Robin Hood, Great British Blues Festival, Burnley Blues Festival, Coventry Music Festival, Moira Folk Festival and many Bluegrass festivals. Also most of the clubs on Beale Street in Memphis, as well as across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas, as well as UK television and radio shows. ​​​https://youtu.be/6EAcl44uFus?si=XsGJ3fxUc4VxS1NK

Spodo Komodo, a new collaboration bringing the talents and creativity of 3 Lincolnshire musicians together; Graham Starkie, Les Woods and Penny Stevens. Spodo Komodo's mission is to explore the related sound worlds of folk and early music with some convivial banter thrown in. Expect genteel musical forms with beautiful melodies on guitars, violin, viola and bass, with a journey from medieval European music, through John Dowland, to Turlogh o' Carolan's Irish tunes and some original material!

Welcome to Unit 5,  a sonic science lab where five unique musical minds meet to experiment with new ideas and push their creative limits. Join them for the journey.

Formed in 2022 in Rutland, England’s smallest county, Unit 5 is a band with broad horizons. Their unique sound is born of the diverse musical influences of its five founding members and the result is a wonderfully eclectic world of original music.

From jazzy chords and acoustic ballads to strutting funk and screaming solos, Unit 5's music is clever, captivating and always has something unexpected up its sleeve.

2025 saw the release of the band’s maiden album, Someone else’s life. From opening anthem, What Good is Love, through the charming acoustic Butterflies, the backbeat reggae blues of Guilty and the funk swagger of Shine to the guitar pyrotechnics of More Than Friends, it’s the perfect introduction to the characterful song writing and playful performance that are Unit 5’s hallmarks.

Unit 5 is:

Steve Park (drums), Steve Jones (vocals and guitars) Dan Creed (vocals and guitars), Colin Richardson (bass) and Andy Parr (sound & engineering).

Chris Brown and Ross Alexander II - aka hazeyjane II - formed as a result of their mutual love of the music of English singer-songwriter Nick Drake. Ross's tender vocals lend a soulful edge to Chris's gentle guitar in a blend of carefully chosen Drakeian covers and their own cross-pollinated compositions.

Kara is a very talented and versatile local vocalist who has been performing from a young age. Kara covers a wide range of music from modern day classics to golden oldies and likes to throw in a few musical theatre numbers as well as some modern pop. By day, she works as a mathematics tutor, and by night, she performs as a singer. After welcoming her baby in late 2025, Kara returns to the stage to share her voice with audiences during the Oundle Fringe Festival. You will be wonderfully entertained!

Louise Jones began a solo and chamber music career in London in 1992  upon returning from the States where she gained her Master’s and Performing degrees under Shmuel Ashkenasi in Michigan and Chicago. Louise recorded her first solo album within the year which was frequently played on Classic FM, opening doors to recitals across the UK, with TV appearances in England and Wales.

Tours abroad as a soloist and as leader of The Gladstone String Quartet followed, taking her to the States, Europe, Japan , the Middle East and Africa.  Louise formed and conducted the first national orchestra in Nigeria during 2000 and 2004, courtesy of the British Council.In recent years following motherhood, Louise enjoys teaching the violin, viola and piano. This concert, which showcases some of her prize pupils, includes Haydn's 'Lark' Quartet.

Velvet Engine is the brainchild of Chilean Northamptonian San-D Godoy-Messenger. Velvet Engine offer up a stripped-back alt-folk set for Oundle Fringe Festival, weaving honest and heartfelt stories through soft, soulful melodies — the kind of music that pairs best with a brew and a bit of reflection. Fronted by San-d Godoy-Messenger, their wistful melodies and honest lyricism recently earned them Best Folk and Acoustic Act at the 2025 Radio Wigwam Awards.

Sign up for NIGHT TWO of the Oundle Fringe Battle of the Bands 2026. Performers can either choose to enter the second heat on NIGHT TWO or if this date doesn’t work then alternatively bands can choose to play in the first heat on NIGHT ONE which is being held on Friday 26th June. Both sessions will be held at The Ship Inn, West St., Oundle. Each band will play once in the competition. The judges will attend both of the two nights and will declare the winner after all bands have played. The prize for the winning band is to join the Outlaw Eagles for a great night at the Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle on Friday 10 July. To sign up use the QR code or the link below: https://forms.gle/jDGJG3iwfPfTkzTq9

Myra is from Oundle and has been a well-known DJ in the modern blues dance world for the last 15 years. However, for the Fringe Festival's 60s-70s disco she is going to play all her guilty pleasures from that era. Whether people want to dance or simply listen to the music they can expect a unique blend of soul, Motown, rock and floor-filler disco classics. Go on, you know you can't resist a brilliant night on the dance floor!

The Jively Sisters are a vibrant vocal trio bringing the magic of the swing and boogie-woogie eras back to life. Daisy, Elly, and Polly, accompanied by talented pianist Kate, blend their voices in rich, close harmonies inspired by the golden age of vintage jazz, performing beloved classics like Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. With lively rhythms, playful charm, and classic vintage style, their performances capture the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s.

Deiah Marie, Kansas-raised and Leicester-based, is an emerging powerhouse, soul singer-songwriter blending gritty blues with powerful soul and attitude. Her influences include Whitney Houston, Adele, Aretha Franklin, Queen, and many more. Drawing from her experiences in life, navigating heartbreak, condescension and betrayal, she hopes to ignite freedom and power in anyone that listens. She grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere, USA, and it’s there that she began pushing boundaries, questioning societal norms, unimpressed by the lives that women were “allowed” to live. Now, she hopes to inspire people to take back their power and leave negative relationships behind.

We are very pleased to confirm that Oundle’s very own Rusty Players Orchestra will perform an exciting summer afternoon concert with the theme Movie Matinee as the culmination and celebration of Oundle Fringe Festival 2026! With over fifty members the full orchestra is a sight to behold and will sound simply wonderful in St. Peter’s Church. This final event of Fringe 2026 on Sunday 5th July is free, with no tickets required. Do come along. There were close on 300 people last year and it was a superb closing event. Retiring collection.

Fringe Treasure Trail

This year was all about CREATURES!

HERE ARE THE ANSWERS

1 Which four species appear above Leo’s doorway? Bird, dog, cat, rabbit

2 What mythical beast appears in Oundle School coat of arms? Griffin

3 Where would you find a medieval hunting dog near Beans? The Talbot

4 What colour fish can you see in the Market Place? Blue

5 Where would this black bird hoard paintings? Jackdaw Gallery

6 Which wild animal’s former residence was 10 North Street? White Lion

7 Which bird appears above Parson Latham’s doorway? Swan

8 How many donkeys can you see in Stupots’ window? 4

9 Which large animal stands under the trees near Oundle School Chapel? Horse

10 Where can you grab a bacon sarnie opposite the bus stop? Greedy Piglet

11 What fish-eating bird looks on to the market place? Osprey

12 How would a pantomime cat cross the road to Oundle News? Zebra

13 The explorer father of ornithologist & Old Oundelian died in this cold place? Antarctica

14 Which tiled animals can you spot opposite the War Memorial? Pig, cow, sheep

15 Which local carrion bird appears in North Northants logo? Red Kite

16 What  mate would an aging stag find on West Street? Old Hind

17 What sits on the lectern of St Peter’s church? Eagle

8 Which speedy creature poses in Dysons’ antiques shop window? Greyhound

19 What local village pub is named after a very rare butterfly? Chequered Skipper

20 Which small raptor did a local Lord introduce to Britain? Little Owl