Festival Fringe to end with a real bang

Not only will the traditional firework finale be a big draw, but the fringe is also giving a taste of a lively new addition planned for next year.

Arundel is set to host a Swing, Jive and Rock 'n' Roll Festival as part of the 2006 fringe, and leading exponents the Jive Aces will be playing in Town Square from 7pm on Sunday to give a flavour of the treat in store next year.

And if the town is even half as packed with people as it was on Sunday for Arundel Rotary Club's town and country fayre event, it should be quite a party.

Rotary president Roger Aspinwall declared himself pleased with a "very successful day" which looks set to raise a large sum for the club's charities. Large crowds enjoyed the live entertainment, displays by craftsmen and women and the opportunity to browse at a wide variety of stalls.

The well-supported community event was typical of the fringe programme, and director Kevin is delighted with the public's support.

"I'm over the moon," he declared. "It's proving to be a tremendous couple of weeks. All the participants in the fringe this year, whether individuals, theatre companies, the Theatre Trail and the Gallery Trail, have been so inspired they are promising to be back with a vengeance in 2006."

Remaining shows in the fringe Madfest (music, art and drama) programme include Hello Dali, at the Dramazone, Krapp's Last Tape, at the Priory Playhouse and Catrin Glyndwr, also at Dramazone '“ see the fringe programme for times.

On Saturday, it's the festival pet show in the Jubilee Gardens at 11am and on Sunday Arundel and District Lions' Club holds its charity duck race, from Arundel Bridge at 3pm. The firework finale is in the Mill Road area at 8pm.