Durham Fringe Festival has reported 'record' numbers of visitors and ticket sales after its 2024 event concluded on Sunday.

Over 120 volunteers, 90 artists and companies took part in 250 performances across eight stages.

(Image: Picture:THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Performers from as far as the United States and Western Australia participated in the Durham Fringe, contributing to several sell-out shows.

Festival director, Stephen Cronin, said: "Our fourth Durham Fringe Festival has been a wonderful success and we appreciate the way many people have strived hard to create something extraordinary - we have experienced talented and creative acts and audiences have been wonderfully welcoming of their efforts.

(Image: Picture:THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"Even the weather has been kind to us.

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"Our programme was so diverse and wide-ranging, and took in everything from children climbing magic spirals into the air accompanied by a Cheshire cat, to AI projection augmented dance, new musicals, stand up, sketch reviews, magic shows, song and spoken word - the range of talent on show has been amazing."

(Image: Picture:THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The festival witnessed close to 7,500 tickets sold, marking a 40% increase from last year's total sales, which had also seen a 40% surge from 2022.

Reflecting on the reception and sales, Mr Cronin said: "We are a community-led festival with a commitment to returning as much of ticket sales income to our artists and performers as possible.

(Image: Picture:THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"Our aim is to create opportunities for shows to find an audience and for our audience to experience the breadth of the performing arts.

"Initial verbal and email feedback from our performers, volunteers and audience members has been very positive, and we've been described as supportive, friendly and efficient.

(Image: Picture:THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"One performer thought we had been established for at least ten years!"

The festival team is taking a short break but will start preparations for Fringe Festival 2025 soon.