GETTING a taste of what will be the biggest Haslemere Fringe Festival were 80 guests at the launch party at The Georgian Hotel.

For the first three days of July it will light up Lion Green and bring entertainment, music and drama to the town, showcasing the young and talented and providing enjoyment for all ages.

There was a festive atmosphere at last week’s party as committee chairman, Ken Griffiths welcomed the guests including Haslemere Mayor Melanie Odell, plus sponsors and friends and some of the artists taking part in the festival.

As they enjoyed wine and food, two 15- year–old magician –, Sam Harris and Harry Fitzgerald – from Woolmer Hill School, known as ‘Unknown Reality’ moved among the guests performing card tricks.

On stage, the band Coyote provided background music and later on guitar and banjo, playing a selection of their own songs followed by poet, Geoff Allnutt, ‘The Speech Painter’ reciting one of his verbal quick fire renderings.

He will be joined by four other poets at the festival. Stand-up comedian Andy Steadman from the Comedy Club acted as MC and his comedy paved the way for Ken to thank everyone for coming while paying a particular thanks to the festival’s 30 sponsors.

The object of The Fringe, he said, was to support artistic people and those from schools and colleges and combine them with headline acts.

“And this year we have Chas and Dave and From the Jam fronted by ex-Jam bassist Bruce Foxton. One of Britain’s most exciting young bands Flight Brigade will be among the 30 live bands appearing at the festival.

Ken said: “We are also lucky to have Haslemere Thespians performing their controversial Vagina Monologues, and we have a section devoted to dance with dance forms from street to classic, Bollywood and Dance Theatre.”

He reminded the guests the fringe festival was a non-profit charity event supporting local artisans and business. “That is why we are working to keep the ticket price low and children under 10 can come in for free,” he added.

“Our partner charity for the year is Liphook-based Dreams Come True, which works to fulfil dreams for children and young people with serious and life-limiting conditions, and so we hope that when you come you won’t forget as you go round to give a donation in the buckets we are placing around the grounds.”

He said in terms of entertainment it was going to be “the biggest fringe festival yet” and to accommodate the huge crowds expected, a family friendly, three-stage arena will be built.

Around the green will a number of music workshops, run by Kate Lidbetter where visitors can get up and have a go.

Andy Steadman will introduce the comedy acts with street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and circus acts, mingling with the crowds. There will also be a Punch and July show and the a strongest person competition. In addition there will be craft and clothes stalls, “a bake off” and “choose an ice cream flavour” competitions

• For early bird discount tickets for the festival from July 1-3, call (01428) 642161.