Local performers to spread their wings at the first Wagga Wagga Fringe

With preparations now underway for Wagga’s first ever fringe festival in November, the man behind the movement says it’s all about celebrating “art for art’s sake”.

“You can’t by definition knock people back,” Bush Fringe director Phil Aughey says.

“It’s open access, which means anyone can perform. That’s the whole shebang – theatre, dance, music, comedy, cabaret, children’s events, the whole lot. And there is no censorship, so people can do what they like.”

An edgy four-day arts festival, Wagga Wagga Fringe has been backed by Wagga City Council through the second round of its major events sponsorship program.

Events officer Sally Manning says it’s about supporting the city’s economic and cultural recovery from COVID-19.

“The program recognises the importance of events and festivals in driving visitation and generating economic benefits for Wagga Wagga, as well as showcasing our public spaces and enlivening our city,” she explains.

Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Phil Aughey launched his own brand of the event in Newcastle in 2016 and has since rolled out the Dubbo Fringe for the past two years.

Wagga will be the second “bush” location, with Bathurst and Armidale to follow next year.

“Wagga should do well because it’s a university town and it’s got diverse industries and local arts,” Phil says.

Originally from Griffith, Phil is looking forward to bringing the event to the Riverina and giving regional artists a platform.

“I went to Yanco Ag High School and I know these country towns,” he says.

“By putting these fringes in Wagga or Dubbo and these sort of places, someone from Griffith or from Coleman or whatever can have a go and it gives the local people a chance to start.”

Performances will take place across several venues including the Que Bar & Nightclub, Romano’s, the Curious Rabbit and Melba’s.

Phil believes it’s vital that local artists are supported.

“My original thought was – if the artists don’t make money, you don’t have a fringe,” he says.

“I was in Edinburgh at the Fringe in 2014 where the overheads are extreme – you don’t expect to make money and you’re just there for the experience.

“I could see just how ripped off the artists were.”

Phil admits that the potentially edgy content could prove unsettling for conservative regional audiences, but he says giving performers a chance to push the boundaries is essential.

“A lot of the television and your big name theatre shows that come around; they’re all written to sell, they’re all formularised,” he says.

“The beauty of a Fringe is that people can do what they like, so it’s pure art.”

Phil hopes the Wagga fringe will be embraced by the community and continue to grow as more artists get involved.

“When I started in Newcastle the idea was to keep it small and simple,” he says.

“A lot of the local artists that were there in year one are still coming back year after year with all new stuff.

“So it’s about giving everyone a go.”

The Wagga Wagga Fringe is on from 17 to 20 November and aspiring performers are encouraged to apply online.