May 31, 2017

GUILDFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL is delighted to be preparing to set up shop in White Lion Walk once again this June!

Between July 1 and 30, Guildford Fringe will present a staggering 130 events across 12 town centre venues, with a fifth anniversary line-up that’s set to make 2017 their best Festival yet.

The Fringe Box Office opens in White Lion Walk on Saturday, June 24.  More than just a place you can visit to purchase tickets and find out some Fringe tips on how to get the most from your Festival experience, the Box Office will also be home to the White Lion Walk Art Exhibition, celebrating the talent of local artists.

Guildford Fringe Director Nick Wyschna said: “I am over the moon to be working with White Lion Walk again this year and I cannot thank them enough for their support. We saw a massive difference in attendance last year as a result of having a physical presence in the town centre so this opportunity is hugely important to us.

“Our Box Office and Art Exhibition is a place where people can come and ask questions about events, ask for recommendations and, if nothing else, have a good chat! 

“The way the Fringe has grown over the last five years has always been by making strong partnerships and this is another example of that.  We hope to attract more visitors to come and enjoy White Lion Walk, which is full of great retailers, many of which we had the pleasure of getting to know last year during Guildford Fringe Festival.”

Participants in the Art Exhibition include award-winning photographer Sue Roche, an active member of the Guildford Photographic Society.  Sue specialises in capturing alternative views of landscapes, people and architecture, and is inspired by new environments, movement and light.

You can view pieces from Ysanne Brooks’ collection; a journalist and ceramicist living and working from a bijou cellar studio in Surrey.  Her experience in interiors journalism, including a stint as editor of a national homes magazine, provided her with a taste for all things beautiful.  She now specialises in useful, hand-thrown and hand-built pieces that simply but effectively enhance the home and garden.

You’ll also be able to enjoy paintings from Liz Hauck, who works from her studios in Surrey and Devon to craft abstract paintings, created in an expressionistic way by fusing feelings, experiences and memories.  She donates all the proceeds from the sale of her paintings to charity, one of which is the local organisation Home-Start Guildford who also benefit from Liz’s support as a patron.

All of the artists’ work in this stunning Exhibition will be on display for your enjoyment until the end of July – and if you fall in love with a piece, all work is for sale so you do have the chance to take it home with you!

Steve Cotney, Centre Manager at White Lion Walk, commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Guildford Fringe Festival for the second year running.  Last year was a real success and I’m thrilled to be able to offer the Festival a space to host their official Box Office.

“I’m very proud that we as a centre are able to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work during Guildford Fringe Festival’s exclusive White Lion Walk Exhibition.  I look forward to welcoming the visitors to the centre this summer.”

The Fringe Box Office will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm.  Guildford Fringe Festival runs from July, 1 to 30 and you can find the full list of events on their website: www.guildfordfringefestival.com.