Cowes Fringe
Back for 2026, Cowes Fringe features an exciting and diverse line-up of nine events spanning theatre, live music, comedy, family entertainment and creative workshops.
Travel Offer
15% Off Vehicle Ferry Travel
Foot Passenger Day Return: £14 Adult | £7 Child
Foot Passenger Period Return: £23 Adult | £11.50 Child
Valid 22-24 May
T&C's apply, see below.
What's On
Cowes Fringe has unveiled its 2026 programme, featuring an exciting and diverse line-up of nine events spanning theatre, live music, comedy, family entertainment and creative workshops.
Headlining the festival is a special gala evening with acclaimed stage and screen actor Sir Derek Jacobi CBE, who will appear in conversation with Richard Clifford. The event will raise funds for Mountbatten Hospice and includes a charity auction as well as a live performance from "The Island Got’s Talent” winner, Jennie Vacher.
Music plays a central role in this year’s programme, with Rabbit Rabbit, a lively tribute to Chas & Dave, promising a high-energy evening of singalong favourites.
Audiences can also experience The Cavern Club Story, a brand-new theatre production celebrating over 70 years of music from Liverpool’s legendary The Cavern Club, which helped launch artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Adele.
The theatre programme includes Cult Figure, marking the centenary of British comedy icon Kenneth Williams, and Ubu | King of the Isle of Wight, a bold and anarchic reimagining of Alfred Jarry’s classic satire by Horse Box Theatre.
Family audiences are well catered for with Sing & Dance the Musicals, performed by Theatretrain Isle of Wight, showcasing the Island’s young performers in an energetic musical theatre celebration.
A strong community and creative strand also runs through the festival. Costume designer Karen Robb, founder of The Sewing Collective, will lead two hands-on events: Stitches & Stories: The Cowes Community Quilt Project, inviting young people to contribute to a collaborative artwork celebrating 200 years of Cowes’ maritime heritage, and a Sewing Bee Competition Workshop, offering participants the chance to learn new skills and compete for a prize.
Rounding out the programme are two exclusive luxury tasting experiences pairing fine chocolate with wine and spirits, delivered in collaboration with local lifestyle brand Jack Thompson. These events will be led by wine expert Helena Nicklin and renowned chocolatier Chantal Coady OBE.
To buy tickets visit the Cowes Fringe website
Travel Offer T&Cs
Vehicle Ferry: 15% Off vehicle ferry travel valid between 22-24 May 2026, 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.
Foot Passenger (Vehicle Ferry & Red Jet): Valid for a day-return trip taken between 22-24 May 2026 on any sailing between Southampton and West Cowes or East 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 on the Red Jet.
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