IT WAS a wonderland of pop-up venues, 97 different ticketed shows plus more than 100 free performances — Ventnor Fringe Festival 2019 was a huge success.

The tenth Fringe welcomed performers from all over the world, to a myriad of magical spaces around the town.

With nearly 6,500 tickets sold, it was bigger and better than any year before.

Fringe founder Jack Whitewood said: "What an amazing tenth Ventnor Fringe.

"The sun was out all week, and our biggest ever programme brought performers from all over the world to our little town.

"Box office records were smashed, with nearly 6,500 tickets sold, on top of many other free events and bars.

"It's amazing to think this little project set up by a group of teenagers now doubles the population of the town."

The black-and-white striped Magpie tent was bursting at the seams with many sell-out shows, and extra benches being brought in for some of them.

The new comedy and cabaret tent also attracted huge audiences, and Harbourside at the beach was a big draw each evening thanks to the quality of the acts.

A new bar area was created at Hygeia House — the old CEntral Pub to Ventnorians. This was the place to chill, watch poetry and plan the next adventure.

From theatre to music, improv to comedy, films to talks, there really was something for everyone.

Provisional dates for 2020 have been announced — July 28 to August 2.