DOUBLE the amount of shows will take place as part of Ventnor Fringe this year — and some are nearly sold out already.

Don't delay if you want to see some of the 70 shows on offer — up from 35 last year — as word is spreading year on year about this fantastic eclectic festival.

Returning for a ninth year to the Island, Ventnor Fringe continues to develop as one of the UK’s fastest growing fringe festivals with hundreds of performers signed up to take part in the week long celebration from August 7 to 12.

At the forefront of Ventnor’s emerging cultural scene for nearly a decade, the Fringe transforms the town with performances and events taking place in every conceivable space, including the town's launderette, seafront, park, churches and bars.

As well as the ticketed events, there are secret shows at mysterious venues, hidden surprises and plenty going on for free.

Look out for the 1930s Parisian ‘Book Bus’ and take some time to see some of London's exciting new spoken word acts.

The Fringe is organised by Ventnor Exchange, an arts organisation which has also run a theatre, craft beer bar and record store in the town since 2014.

Tickets for events are now on sale from www.vfringe.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01983 716767.

Hotly tipped to sell out soon:

Charlie Dore and Julian Littman: Songwriter Charlie Dore has teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Julian Littman of Steeleye Span and virtuoso double bass player Gareth Huw Davies for a special evening at St. Catherine's Church. Last year was their first trip to Ventnor Fringe and the sell-out concert led to lots of requests for a return visit.

Joe Wells: I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative. Comedian Joe Wells hosts his debut performance at Ventnor Fringe. Secure your spot at Ventnor Arts Club for this show, as it is looking likely to be an early sell out.

L'Atalante: Breaking Into The New Wave. Jean Vigo’s seminal 1934 romantic film, L'Atalante, voted one of the greatest films of all time, is having a special screening at Ventnor Arts Club. Introduced by the artist and academic David Kori, you event get a glass of prosecco and strawberries on arrival.

Carnival Cabaret with Cat Skellington. Ventnor Carnival takes place during the Fringe, on Wednesday, August 8. For those looking for a more relaxed alternative to the main carnival party and fireworks on the seafront after the main parade, booking into Parkside for the Carnival Cabaret could be a good bet. Cat Skellington will bring its feel-good gypsy jazz sounds to the main tent in a special fundraiser for the carnival.