The Extraordinary Growth of Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 + The Pretty Amazing Show Takes Out Top Honour
- intouch Magazine
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
After three electrifying weekends of bold ideas, boundary-pushing performances and packed houses, the Newcastle Fringe Festival 2026 has wrapped, celebrating a record-breaking year for Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe.
A total of 18,134 people attended the 2026 festival, up from 14,170 in 2025 including 6,000 at Fringe FEAST and 12,134 across ticketed events, marking significant growth across all areas of the program.
This year’s festival featured 254 shows (up from 235), presented by 112 acts (up from 97) and 806 artists (up from 612), across 15 venues throughout the city. A dedicated team of 110 volunteers (up from 70) helped –bring the festival to life, highlighting the strength of community support behind the event.
Importantly, the festival delivered real outcomes for artists, with more than $243,000 earned by performers, a substantial increase from $188,000 in 2025.
The festival culminated in the annual Fringe Awards, hosted by MC Dan Beazley, recognising standout work from across the 250-show program.
Top honours went to local favourite The Pretty Amazing Show, which took out Best Show, while international production The Routine was awarded Artistic Merit.
Other major winners were:
• Ben Voss (Becoming Benno) – Best Individual Performance
• Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin – Best Theatre
• Skank Sinatra: My Way – Best Cabaret
• Nun Slut – Best Comedy
• Vanessa Larry Mitchell – Best Stand Up
• 3Degrees – Best Music
• Bubble Show in Space – Best in Fringe for Kids
• Two Brothers – Best Premiere
• Creative Creatures Kids Spectacular – Best Newcastle Show
• Les Divine Folles a Newy – Best Dance
• Cathy Crowley: Tripping Up That Hill – Sydney Fringe Guest Award
The Legend Award was presented to Phil Aughey by Clark Gormley, recognising outstanding contribution to the festival and the arts community as the Founder of Newcastle Fringe Festival.
Festival Chairperson Brooke Twyford said the 2026 program highlighted the power of open-access arts.
“From bold new voices to returning favourites, this year’s festival celebrated everything Fringe stands for - creativity, accessibility and the freedom to take risks. The response from audiences has been incredible.”
Fringe FEAST once again launched the festival in spectacular style, bringing thousands into Hamilton for a free, family-friendly celebration of food, music and performance. The festival also included the first activation in Port Stephens with a performance by The Pretty Amazing Show and pop-up performances were a feature on Darby Street.
Newcastle Next provided a platform for the youngest musical artists of the city to perform with the winning band Stomp receiving $1,000 and the runner up performer Laila Michelini taking home $500. Newymation – a celebration of local digital animators and artists awarded the audience favourite – Bird Drone by Radheya Jegatheva and Jay Jay Jegathesan the proceeds of the door sales to the exhibition event.
With strong audience numbers, a diverse program and continued support from partners including City of Newcastle and Destination NSW, Newcastle Fringe Festival continues to cement its place as a vital cultural event for the region.
Plans are already underway for an even bigger and bolder festival in 2027 with dates set for 6 to 21 March.
