MUSIC, spoken word and a special children’s day have all been announced by Ventnor Fringe.

The first wave of shows are now on sale for the multi-award-winning arts festival, which features gigs, comedy and performances in unusual spaces around Ventnor.

It returns for the 11th edition year from July 28 to August 2.

Popular pop-up venues Harbourside and Parkside will both return, transforming whole areas of the town.

Among the first events to be announced are live gigs with Gengahr, who have hit 2020 running with new album Sanctuary offering a more expansive and ambitious sound than ever before.

Produced by Bombay Bicycle Club’s Jack Steadman, the North London’s alt-pop four piece have carved a distinctive sound.

Joining them will be Willie J. Healey with his unique blend of dreamy soft pop, garage-rock and 70’s Americana. Following extensive radio play of new single Why You Gotta Do It, a new album is pencilled for release in the coming months.

Also on the bill is post punk, art rock, legends in the making, Do Nothing. It is fronted by the distinctive presence of Chris Bailey, who channels influences ranging from LCD Soundsystem, The Fall and Talking Heads.

From New Wave to Woodstock, California Dreaming is a live tribute to the rise and fall of the Woodstock generation in a show exploring the ‘60s counter culture movement, featuring songs by The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills and Nash, Mamas and Papas, James Taylor and The Doors.

Spoken word poet Luke Wright brings his new show The Remains of Logan Dankworth to The Magpie, the Fringe’s Big Top in Ventnor Park.

Other shows confirmed include a return of Impromptu Shakespeare, the Edinburgh Fringe smash hit where an entirely new and unique play inspired by audience suggestions.

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ahir Shah returns to host Pick of the Fringe, showcasing a new selection of fast rising comics.

For the younger members of the family a new Sunday Fun Day is being launched, featuring award-winning children’s presenter Andy Day and his Dino Raps Show, alongside street dance workshops, circus skills, soft play and giant games.

Collectively the announcement makes up just over five per cent of the full programme.

Tickets for these events are now on sale at vfringe.co.uk or in person from Ventnor Exchange, Church Street, Ventnor.