THE Island’s largest mixed arts festival — Ventnor Fringe — has opened registrations for artists looking to take part in this year’s event.

The festival will return from July 22 to 31.

Artists have the chance to join creatives and performers from across the UK and beyond at the 12th instalment of the growing and award-winning event.

Against all the odds, Ventnor Fringe had its most successful year yet in 2021, breaking all box office records.

Click here to find out how they did it

The event featured more than 100 different shows, spanning the best new comedy, cabaret, music and theatre with highlights including comedy from Flo and Joan, Lou Sanders and Tez Ilyas.

Families were enthralled by The Greatest Showpeople circus and Cbeebie’s Andy Day and music fans headed to gigs from the likes of Genghar, Los Bitchos and Do Nothing.

Creatives working in all disciplines and at any stage in their career are encouraged to take part in the festival, which has become a showcase of emerging talent.

The fringe offers support and guidance every step of the way.

Ventnor Fringe is also proud to announce the inaugural winner of its new Spirit of the Fringe Award, given in memory of local arts aficionado Ray Durham.

The award has been sponsored by Plumridges Self Storage of Ventnor, where Ray worked for many years.

In its first year the award has gone to King Stammers, the stage name of Tim Martin. Tim is responsible for inspiring new poets through the Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective, and his boundless energy kept momentum going throughout lockdown.

Isle of Wight County Press: King Stammers aka Tim Martin with his Ventnor Fringe award.

On top of that, his stage persona King Stammers stepped in at the last minute to entertain a sell out crowd with his thoughtful and hilarious poetry after a fellow act missed a ferry.

Tim said: "Receiving this award from Ventnor Fringe not only restores my confidence in myself as an artist, but also supported me at a time it was desperately needed."

The award trophy was created by Ventnor artist Paradox Paul, and was given alongside a cash prize.

It follows Horsebox Theatre’s success in winning the Rouse Ltd Audience Choice Award.

Tickets for the first events at Ventnor Fringe 2022 will go on sale from March.

Registrations for artists are open now and will close on Monday, April 18.

A performers’ handbook and venue pack can be found at vfringe.co.uk/takepart where acts can also register.

Anyone with questions can contact Mhairi at artists@vfringe.co.uk or call 01983 716767.