Fringe success leads to shed move

The former weavers' shed has been sold

Llangollen's fringe festival is leaving its home, a former weavers' shed with a turf floor, which has played host to the popular event since 1999.

The festival, which costs around £35,000 to put on, has become a victim of its own success.

A larger venue is needed and the fringe, which concentrates on world music, will be held in the Town Hall.

However, Llangollen residents are worried that the venue switch will lead to a loss of atmosphere.

The event normally runs in the same week as Llangollen's Music Eisteddfod but organisers have changed dates too.

They want to capitalise on the fringe's popularity and move to a larger venue with better facilities, such as toilets.

By moving the event away from eisteddfod week, organisers hope more locals will be able to attend their concerts.

The fringe festival was set up in 1998 when performers and concert-goers converged in a circus tent.

I think it was so quirky and it'll be a shame for it to move Jane Dicken, resident

In 1999 the fringe moved to the shed and welcomed Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, three days after the premiere of romantic comedy Notting Hill.

One of the festival directors Roger Goodman said the shed has been sold but added "We don't complain, although we're sad to see it go".

"We had already taken the decision to move the fringe away from eisteddfod week. It's going to be the last three long weekends in July."

Kelly Pritchard and Catherine Jones have mixed feelings about the move

However, local residents have mixed feelings about the loss of the shed.

With a turf floor scattered with cushions, and audiences encouraged to bring their own alcohol the shed provided a unique atmosphere and a talking point for visiting bands.

"I don't think it'll have the same appeal to people. I think it was so quirky and it'll be a shame for it to move," said shop worker Jane Dicken.

Terry Heaton from Llangollen added: "The shed is a bit different and quite an experience, it was packed solid when I went and they were sitting on the floor.

"The town hall could seat more and be more comfortable but you'll lose the atmosphere probably."

However, Kelly Pritchard said she thought the move would be good for the festival.

"I think it'll be okay for the fringe to move to the town hall because people will be able to hear it from the street if they haven't got enough money to go in," the 17-year-old said.

Organisers hope the new dates will help overcome accommodation problems and also allow more locals who help on the eisteddfod field to attend.

Llangollen student Catherine Jones said she believes this is a positive step.

"The eisteddfod week is so popular there are a lot of people who are either in the shops or up on the eisteddfod field so the fringe gets left out," she said.

The Llangollen Fringe Festival begins on 14 July 2005