Northamptonshire Community Foundation community hero of the week

Oundle Fringe Festival brings live music, performance and creative events to Oundle and the surrounding area, offering opportunities for local and visiting performers to share their work and for audiences to enjoy a varied programme close to home. The festival also provides opportunities for performers of all ages, including young people, and encourages people to take part as well as watch, with events including open mic sessions, a tea dance, folk sessions and a Battle of the Bands. 

A £700 grant from the Compton Fund, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, helped Oundle Fringe Festival publicise its 2026 programme of more than 50 events. Funding supported printed leaflets, posters and banners, alongside promotion through social media and local and regional press, helping to reach audiences across Oundle, nearby villages and the wider area. 

The publicity helped the festival attract at least 3,500 people to 53 events, with audience surveys showing that 47% came from Oundle and a further 20% from within five miles. The festival also provided valuable opportunities for young performers, including musicians from local schools and participants in the Battle of the Bands, while giving audiences access to a wide range of free live performances and events. 

The festival continues to provide a platform for local talent alongside visiting performers, while bringing people together and supporting venues across the area. Audience feedback highlighted the value of having such a varied programme of events on the doorstep, with the festival helping to increase access to live music, performance and cultural experiences for the local community. 

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.