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Cowes Fringe

May 23rd - May 25th | All Day

Secure your sailing to Cowes Fringe with our great travel offers:

15% off vehicle ferry travel (valid between 22-25 May)
Foot passenger day-return travel for just £13.50pp (valid between 23-25 May)

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cowes fringe
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Cowes Fringe 2024
view of band playing to busy crowd

What's On

Cowes Fringe offers a variety of fantastic performances across incredible venues in the very popular sailing town of Cowes. With live music, comedy, bands and more, you really don't want to miss it! 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cowes, the Fringe Festival will take place from 23-25 May, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of music and performances. Managed by a local team and supported by a West End team, the Cowes Fringe promises a broad range of local and mainland talent again for 2025.

See the full line up below! Get your tickets on the Cowes Fringe website

Travel Offer T&Cs

Vehicle Ferry: 15% Off vehicle ferry travel valid between 22-25 May 2025, with up to 7 people (additional passenger rates available) in a car. Subject to availability. Conditions: Not valid with any other Red Funnel offer or concession, including standard Travel Card holder discounts. Valid for new bookings only. We reserve the right to withdraw this promotion without prior notice. Standard conditions of carriage apply †A £5 handling charge applies to telephone bookings.

Red Jet: Valid for a day-return trip taken between 23-25 May 2025 on any sailing between Southampton and West Cowes. Carriage is subject to availability and is on a first come first served basis. Note: It is not possible to pre-book specific sailing times with these tickets.

Line-Up

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 9.00PM
Known as “The UK’s Queen of live vocal drag”, Velma has been charming audiences across the globe for the past 14 years. Velma has cameoed in Eastenders and just won Best Cabaret at Perth Fringeworld 2024, AGAIN! Velma is the alter ego of West End star Ian Stroughair who has appeared in hit musicals Cats, Fame, Chicago and Rent, to which he received critical acclaim.

SUNDAY 25TH MAY | 8.30PM
Richard Shelton's portrayal of Frank Sinatra has earned him a host of awards including the prestigious Hollywood Fringe Award. Winning such recognition for his performance in a play he wrote himself has special meaning to the actor. The multi award-winning production is more than just a performance; it's a mesmerizing journey into the heart and soul of an iconic figure. Set against the backdrop of a small Palm Springs club in the early hours of the morning, the play paints a poignant portrait of Frank Sinatra as an "every man" grappling with the complexities of middle age. 

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 9PM
The Godfather of Dance Music and Kiss FM founder, DJ Gordon "Mac" McNamee MBE returns to Cowes Fringe for 2025! Gordon's impact on the music industry is profound, and in 2023 was recognised for his achievements by receiving a coveted place on the Camden Music Walk of Fame and most recently, in 2024, was awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours List for founding Kiss FM, Mi-Soul Radio and services to Music. 

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 9PM
From sold-out tours, festival spots and support slots for rock royalty to crazy club nights, film roles and fashion shows, The Cuban Brothers’ unparalleled act is ingrained in pop culture. Two decades since their inception, Miguel and his suspect sidekicks are renowned all over the world for their party-starting skills, risqué sketches, B-boy moves and funk-fuelled music. Everywhere from the Far East to South America, from Brisbane to Bahrain, from the Gumball rally to the F1 circuit has fallen for the Hawaiian suit-sporting crew and their outrageous, X-rated antics. 

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 8.30PM
Lockie Chapman was the bassist for the multi-platinum selling group The Overtones. Lockie’s final show with The Overtones was actually on the Isle Of Wight, and Cowes Fringe will be his first time performing on the Island since then. It will be an up close and personal evening with laughs and tales from his times in the band in an intimate cabaret setting, all delivered with his unique and soulful four octave vocal range.

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 7.30PM
The Rocka are a high energy pop/rock band originally from the Isle of Wight. They have performed everything from Led Zepplin, Green Day, Oasis, Muse, Panic! At the Disco, Stereophonics and many more. Frontman Lewis brings an energetic and flamboyant presence to the group which is a sight to behold, encapsulating the audience with his vocal range and next-level falsetto.

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 7PM
Blonde Bombshell and Platinum Pin-Up, Isabella Bliss brings to life the immortal goddess and icon that is Marilyn Monroe... A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt, immersive & comedic tribute to Hollywood's sexiest starlet, unravelling the mysteries of her life and quest for love. This show delivers everything you desire from an intimate evening with the star. Sing along to the classics, share a drink, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled experience of Marilyn Monroe's world. 

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 9.30PM
We are delighted to welcome opera stars Harry Kersley and Belinda Williams to Cowes Fringe 25. Performing together for the first time, they will take us on a breathtaking journey into the rich and emotive art form that is opera accompanied by island bred James Longford. 

SUNDAY 25TH MAY | 7.00PM
Gianluigi Secchi is a Guitarist and Composer from Sardinia, Italy, based in London with almost 20 years of live playing all over the world. His solo show is a mix of meaningful arrangements and original compositions. A lot of real stories that became music. With his Nylon Sound, some electronic effects and a loop pedal he tells about his travels, loves, games, effort of his life.

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 9.30PM
We are delighted to welcome opera stars Harry Kersley and Belinda Williams to Cowes Fringe 25. Performing together for the first time, they will take us on a breathtaking journey into the rich and emotive art form that is opera accompanied by island bred James Longford. 

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 7PM
Take off into the world-changing novel by Jack Kerouac. On The Road is a one-man play encapsulating the great American story with no set and one pie. The play follows the story of Sal Paradise, a young man living with his Aunt in the post-WWII East Coast, whose curiosity and fateful meeting of Dean Moriarty, another young man from the West, will open and change his life, as it will ultimately open and change the cultural life of the Western world. On The Road is based on the book by Jack Kerouac. The novel, first created in a three-week act of writing in 1951, took six years to be published by Viking Press and in it, the protagonist, Sal, becomes the alter-ego of the author Jack Kerouac, whose life was equally changed by overnight fame upon publication of On The Road, only his second published book.

SUNDAY 25TH MAY | 8PM
Get ready for a fiesta like no other with Vote Pedro, the Isle of Wight’s vibrant mariachi-style cover band. Known for their high-energy performances and unique reimagining of pop, rock, and chart classics, Vote Pedro transforms well-loved hits into upbeat mariachi masterpieces.

SUNDAY 26TH MAY | 10PM
This Abba Tribute show backed by a live band, doesn't just play song after song, We make sure all the best loved hits are presented in non stop, exciting punchy medleys, together with authentic Abba costume changes, “Mumma Mia” will have your toes tapping from start to finish!

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 8.15PM
BeatFox is a powerhouse in the UK beatboxing scene, holding the title of three-time UK Vice Beatbox Champion. With nearly two decades of experience, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his razor-sharp rhythms and dynamic vocal percussion. From warming up crowds for hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg to representing UK music on the global stage at the 2016 Olympics, BeatFox continues to push the boundaries of sound, blending raw talent with high-energy performances.

SUNDAY 26TH MAY | 7.00PM
Direct from London’s prestigious Jermyn Street Theatre, Ode to Joyce sees Cheryl Knight pay tribute to the great actress and comedienne with a selection of her greatest songs and monologues, accompanied by a live pianist. Direct from London’s prestigious Jermyn Street Theatre, Ode to Joyce sees Cheryl Knight pay tribute to the great actress and comedienne with a selection of her greatest songs and monologues, accompanied by a live pianist. 

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 8.30PM
The Amy Bird Band was created during Lockdown 2020, playing deep cuts of well known artists in the Soul, Funk and Americana genres, including music from Chaka Khan to The Doobie Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band to Stevie Wonder and more!

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 6.30PM
Rosemary Lee OBE is an award winning choreographer and filmmaker. These stunning magical dance films transport you to beautiful places whilst highlighting the grace and individuality of every performer. Join Rosemary for an afternoon of dance on film, where she will guide us through her creative process and share how the films were conceived.

SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 7PM
SUNDAY 25TH MAY | 6PM & 9PM
JAMRoKi has played sets all over the UK. From his festival debut at the age of 12 in the Bollywood Tent at Camp Bestival, where he has DJ’ed yearly since (in Dorset and Shropshire) to on that first weekend being invited to also close The Greatest Tent on Earth. Jamie has gone on to play opening sets at the Big Top at age 14, and 11pm sets in the Big Top at age 15. Jamie, still 15, was also invited to join Sound System Futures and DJ at 5.30pm on Sunday at the heart of Notting Hill Carnival in Powis Square, where he joined the Trojan 7 Lin Kam Art Sound System, and filled the street.

SUNDAY 25TH MAY | 7PM
Medina Community Choir, based on the Isle of Wight, is excited to join Cowes Fringe this year following successful events such as last summer’s "Name Drop" concert and a joint concert with the Bournemouth and District Concert Band. Founded in 2006 by Hannah Brear, the choir is open to all and doesn’t require music reading skills, fostering an inclusive environment. It has grown into a popular choir with over 100 members of diverse ages and backgrounds. 

FRIDAY 23RD MAY | 7PM - THE ULTIMATE WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING SESSION
SATURDAY 24TH MAY | 7PM - SCENTS & SIPS: WINE & FRAGRANCE PAIRING
Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and spirits writer, broadcaster, wine consultant, drinks influencer and judge for various international wine and spirits awards. With twenty five years in the industry, a stint at drama school and the WSET Diploma under her belt, she specialises in communicating with the drinks curious public through TV and radio appearances, live events, written articles for various titles and engaging video content. She writes regularly for The Daily Mail, BA's HighLife Magazine, OcadoLife and Style of Wight and is the new wine face of Delicious Magazine.