Fringe Arts Wolverhampton 2026 is supported by:
Arts Council England, Wolverhampton BID / Enjoy Wolverhampton and City of Wolverhampton Council - managed by Asylum Artist Quarter and Gatis Community Space.
Three days. One city. Art everywhere.
Following an incredible first year welcoming almost 2,000 visitors, Fringe Arts Wolverhampton returns for 2026 bigger, bolder and spreading across the city.
Over 28 visual artists. More than 30 local performers. Over 12 participating venues. Immersive outdoor theatre. Live music. Creative workshops. Film. Open studios. A touring commission.
A city-centre light trail, and a spectacular lantern parade.
A FREE programme across Wolverhampton city centre.
This year's theme, ILLUMINATE, shines a light on what we can celebrate, protect and nurture within our communities and the world around us. The programme explores our local community, the beauty of nature, collective action, the sustainable practices, traditional skills and creative knowledge that help us care for people, places and the environment.
Fringe is programmed with and for our local community, showcasing the diversity and extraordinary homegrown talent of Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
ART & EXHIBITIONS
Discover work by over 28 visual artists across our three main exhibition venues — Mander Centre Community Hub, The Grand Palace and St Peter's Collegiate Church — alongside a touring commission through ILLUMINATE West Midlands.
OUT OF THE DEEP BLUE
Experience Autin Dance Theatre's immersive outdoor theatre spectacular in St Peter's Square, bringing dance, theatre and a giant sea creature into the heart of the city.
LANTERN PARADE & LIGHT TRAIL
Join our spectacular community Lantern Parade, led by Gatis Community Space, then follow the light across 12+ city-centre venues and businesses, discovering illuminated artworks, installations and window displays.
LIVE PERFORMANCE
More than 30 local performers bring music, dance, spoken word, performance and creative events into venues and public spaces across the city.
MAKE & TAKE PART
Try something yourself with creative workshops including papermaking, life drawing and film exploration, alongside making, mending, repair, sustainable fashion and opportunities to learn and share skills.
AND THERE'S MORE…
Discover film screenings, open studios, The Human Library, the Black Country Artisan Fair, community activity and unexpected creative experiences throughout the weekend.
