We are very pleased to announce that Underground Venues has arisen from the loss of our original home under the Old Hall Hotel, to find a new home for 2017 in festival hub The Old Clubhouse. Following eleven successful years, Underground will return with another hand-picked programme of events at the 2017 Buxton Fringe.

Popular with Festival and Fringe audiences for many years, The Old Clubhouse, opposite the historic Opera House, will form our new base of our operations. A brand new theatre space for 2017 will join an all-day Fringe Club and information desk, while the Arts Centre, just over the road, will continue to host our larger-scale acts.

Underground Venues 2017 will run 4-23 July.

Applications for all types of performance will open at the very start of February.

Keep an eye on the website and our Twitter and Facebook for more information.

We’re proud to officially announce Underground Venues will return in 2016 for our 11th season on the Buxton Festival Fringe.

The venue will run 6 – 24 July 2016, with another strong programme of the finest Fringe entertainment from across the UK.

To apply to be part of it head to our Artists Area. Applications close 23 March.

That’s right, 2015 will be the tenth year of Underground Venues! – and you can bet we’re excited about it (because you would have no risk of losing your stake, as we are definitely excited and can prove it).

2015 will be the tenth time we take up residence at the Old Hall for the Buxton Fringe, after starting there back in 2006. We will also be managing the Arts Centre Studio in Buxton and be returning to the Oxford Fringe for our fourth year there!

Dates for both Fringes are confirmed as:

Oxford: 22 May – 7 June 2015

Buxton: 8 – 26 July 2015

We are accepting applications for Oxford already – just email oxford@underthefringe.com for full info and an application form. We will be accepting applications until 10 March.

Applications for Buxton Fringe will open late January and be through the website. The deadline is 23 March.

Linen, often associated with relaxed summer days, has quietly ascended to a new level of sartorial sophistication. Beyond its impeccable ability to keep you cool, linen possesses qualities that make it an unexpected yet perfect choice for hitting the dance floor.

Let’s delve into why linen is the unsung hero of party attire.
The Dance Floor Advantage

Linen’s lightweight and breathable nature is a game-changer when you’re immersed in the rhythm of the night. Unlike heavier fabrics that can restrict movement, linen flows effortlessly with your body. Whether you’re twirling, dipping, or simply grooving, you’ll experience a freedom of movement that other fabrics can’t match.

Moreover, linen is remarkably absorbent. As the temperature rises on the dance floor, linen helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable. No more sticky discomfort that can dampen your enthusiasm.
Style Versatility

linen shirt offer an unparalleled versatility that caters to a wide range of party styles. For men, a crisp white linen shirt paired with dark jeans and loafers creates a effortlessly cool ensemble. For a bolder statement, opt for a vibrant hue like cobalt blue or olive green. Layer with a blazer for a touch of formality or leave it open for a relaxed vibe.

Women can experiment with various silhouettes and styling options. A loose-fitting linen shirt can be tied at the waist to create a flattering tunic-like look. Pair it with high-waisted shorts or a maxi skirt for a bohemian-inspired outfit. For a more polished appearance, tuck a linen shirt into tailored trousers and accessorize with statement jewelry.
The Linen Love Affair

Linen’s ability to effortlessly transition from day to night makes it a wardrobe essential. Its natural texture and inherent coolness lend themselves to a carefree, yet stylish aesthetic that’s perfect for any party. So, the next time you’re planning a night out, consider incorporating linen into your outfit. Your body and your style will thank you.

Another year, another summer and the Fringe season is on us again.

As we’ve written about before, a strong pattern of Fringe festivals has grown up over the summer months in the UK. With Brighton in May, Oxford in May/June, Buxton in July and Edinburgh – the biggest of  them all – in Edinburgh. The trail moves south to north as the summer progresses and a growing number of acts are moving with it.

Acts use this ‘Fringe Trail’ to road-test their shows ready for Edinburgh (the biggest live arts festival in the world) – or to kick-start a later tour. Conversely, many revisit the other Fringes after having had success in one.

Here at Underground we are keen to see this Fringe Trail grow so we present here the dates of the four Trail Fringes for 2014:

• Brighton Fringe | 3 May – 1 June | www.brightonfringe.org
• Oxford Fringe | 24 May – 8 June | www.oxfordfringe.org – see Underground Venues’ programme here
• Buxton Fringe | 9 – 27 July | www.buxtonfringe.org.uk – see Underground Venues’ programme here
• Edinburgh Fringe | 1 – 25 August | www.edfringe.com

Both the Buxton and Oxford Fringes have now announced their full programmes for 2014. And we’re pleased to announce Underground will once again be a powerful presence at both.

We are presenting 19 shows at the Old Fire Station, as part of the Oxford Fringe. In Buxton, we’re back for our 9th year, in our base under the Old Hall and at the Pavilion Arts Centre, this year with 70 different shows and events.

The Oxford Fringe runs 24 May – 8 June. You can check out the whole programme at www.oxfordfringe.org

The Buxton Fringe dates for 2014 are 9 – 27 July and their full line-up is at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk

Watch this space for our programme launch on May 4th!

Yes that’s right, it seems, like Mark Twain, the report of our death was an exaggeration.

Due to generous help of the constantly delayed building works at the Crescent, the wonderful cellars of the Old Hall Hotel that Underground has called home since 2006 will live another day.

This means Underground Venues will be returning, with a full programme of events, at the 2014 Buxton Fringe. Continuing our work over the last 8 years of bringing the finest local and national Fringe talent to Buxton in July.

Audiences can expect another bursting programme of hand-picked stand-up, new writing, classic theatre, music, magic, comedy and kids shows from 9-27 July 2014.

Potential acts can apply to be part of it from January 2014, when application information will be available on the website.

We also involved in creating and shaping the new Oxford Fringe. More on that later.

The Underground Venues season at the 2013 Buxton Fringe has come to an end and what a year it was!

We hosted 65 shows and over 200 performances, entertained 4000 audience members and got through 10 packs of blu-tac and 50 sticks of chalk. We’ve shown once again that Fringe can buck the trend of the recession, thanks to the fantastic line-up of shows, from every genre and style, that we were treated to this year.
There was much excitement about 2013 being the last ever year for Underground Venues. As many of you will know, the Crescent development is due to involve building work in the Old Hall Hotel cellars. But we’re pleased to say we do intend to be back in one form or another at the 2014 Fringe – so keep an eye on this blog, our Twitter or Facebook for more updates.Now hosting three performance spaces, Underground Venues had another year of fantastic reviews, from the Buxton Fringe (see here) and from Fringe Guru (see here) and Underground shows once again triumphed at the Fringe awards. Best Production, Best Actor & Actress, Best Comedy, Best Comedy Performer, Best Youth Production and Best Young Actor all went to Underground shows – along with a huge number of nominations – a big well done to all of them! (Full list here)

It’s goodbye to the punts, the spires and the crowds of students in bizarre exam-garb – the 2013 Oxford Fringe is over.

Following the cancellation of the orinally planned festival, this year’s Oxford Fringe was an attempt by all the acts and venues intending to take part, to keep the Fringe spirit going in Oxford. With essentially no budget, we split the costs of basic advertising between us, and relied on feet on the ground, word-of-mouth, positive press and social media to spread the word.

Underground Venues were once more running the Old Fire Station’s main theatre space for the duration of the Fringe. Following a successful 2012 we planned to increase our programme by 30%, bringing in both big names and promising newcomers to the 90-seat Arts Centre. Now with a replacement Fringe, hastily put together by its participants, it was uncertain if this gamble would pay off.

However, following the final tally after last night’s final show, we are proud to announce the following:

• Total ticket sales were up on 2012
• Gross box office takings were up
• Average audience per show have increased

All of which is a great credit to the performers and promoters involved in Underground Venues this year, as well as our staff and our wonderful hosts at the Old Fire Station.

More importantly, it bodes very well for the future of the Fringe in Oxford, which we will to continue to support and are keen to see continue to flourish.

Our thanks also to the other venues at the Oxford Fringe: the Oxford Playhouse‘s Burton Taylor Studio, the Ashmolean Museum, Art Jericho, Turl Street Kitchen, Albion Beatnik Bookstore, the Friends Meeting House and East Oxford Community Centre. We couldn’t have done it without you.

If you’re new to online casinos, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. With so many platforms to choose from, it’s essential to know how to select a reputable online casino that offers a secure, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when picking the best online casino, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your gaming experience.
1. Check for Licensing and Regulation

The most important step when choosing an online casino is ensuring that the platform is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. A valid license means the casino is legally allowed to operate and is subject to strict rules regarding player protection, fair gaming, and responsible gambling.
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UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Curacao eGaming

A licensed casino will typically display its licensing information at the bottom of its homepage. Avoid any casino that lacks licensing details or is licensed by an unknown or unreliable authority.

Tip: Search for player reviews or feedback on forums to see if the casino has a positive track record for fair play and timely payouts.
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Security is crucial when making financial transactions at an online casino. A reputable casino will offer secure and trusted payment options for both deposits and withdrawals. These options should include well-known services like:

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E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
Bank transfers
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum) in some casinos

Ensure the casino uses encryption technology (look for the padlock icon in the website address bar) to protect your personal and financial information. Also, review the payment processing times for withdrawals, as some casinos may take longer to process transactions.

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Bonuses are one of the main attractions of online casinos, but not all offers are created equal. Beginners should focus on understanding the different types of bonuses and the associated terms and conditions.
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Tip: Test the live chat feature before signing up to see how responsive and helpful the support team is.
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Casinos that take player well-being seriously will also include links to resources like Gambling Therapy, GamCare, or other support groups for players struggling with problem gambling.

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Lastly, ensure the online casino uses Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to guarantee that games are fair and not rigged. RNG ensures that the outcome of each game is entirely random, which is essential for maintaining fairness in casino games like slots, poker, or roulette.

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Choosing the best online casino as a beginner doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on key factors like licensing, game variety, bonuses, and player safety, you can find a platform that offers a secure and enjoyable gaming experience. Always take the time to research casinos thoroughly, and remember to prioritize your own safety and well-being while gambling online. Following these tips will ensure that your first steps into online gaming are both fun and safe.