Petersfield Fringe Festival Brings the Curtain Down on a Record Year
There’s an old saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” In Petersfield this summer, that tide has been one of music, theatre and community spirit; and the boats have been positively buoyant. Between the Half Moon Summer Festival (£8,450 raised), the Hawkley Festival (£4,150 raised) and now the Petersfield Fringe Festival itself (£2,500 raised), more than £15,100 has flowed towards The Rosemary Foundation this Summer.
The 2025 Petersfield Fringe Festival closed last week after six packed days of theatre, comedy, music and family entertainment. Audiences enjoyed twelve performances ranging from new writing and hidden gems to classic revivals, with local groups such as Winton Players, Hawkley Players, CCADS, Shepherd’s Crook Productions and solo artists including Tony Johnson, Cassandra Rix and Richard Saxel all taking centre stage.
Across twelve performances audiences were transported from Victorian London with Sherlock Holmes, to the surreal imaginings of young Ernie, to the aching dilemmas of Guernsey evacuees, and even to the magic of Disney princesses. None of this would have been possible without an extraordinary company of supporters: our tireless performers, our ever-generous audiences, our smiling volunteers, and our sponsors — Dylans Ice Cream, The Half Moon, Sheet, Barden FM, The Great British Cake Shop, Petersfield, Gail’s Bakery and Mackarness & Lunt Solicitors. And of course, a particular debt of gratitude to Churcher’s College, whose facilities provided both stage and shelter.
As the curtain falls, a pause follows. The Fringe will take a rest in 2026, not because the story is finished, but because the stage must sometimes be cleared for the next act. One or two high-profile events are already waiting in the wings, ready to burst forth.
In the meantime, our next great gathering will be on Friday 26 September 2025, when SOS: The ABBA Tribute Band with Legends will light up Petersfield Festival Hall. Only around 40 tickets remain — as the Swedish proverb reminds us, “Those who wish to sing always find a song.” Best to find yours quickly!
Photos (C) This is Clockwork