Madam Renards Mini Fringe is a platform for the arts from new plays and theatre companies, to original songs and musicals, stand-up comics to comedy drama.

Matt Fox, the co-director and mastermind behind Madam Renards Theatre Company, is urging everyone involved in the creative arts to come on board for the 2016 Swindon Fringe.

Matt said: "The Mini Fringe provided the first outing for my play To Sleep, which has since toured the UK, played in the West End and been published. Fringe festivals are designed to give a platform for new performances that can often lead to bigger and better opportunities.''

Swindon's only performing arts festival is now in its fourth year, growing from strength to strength, from three companies in 2013 to a huge success last year attracting theatre companies from as far away as Serbia and Sardinia as well as local homegrown talent.

The Mini Fringe next year runs from April 1 to 10th in various venues including Steam, The Phoenix Theatre, Swindon Dance, Riffs, The Vic, Swindon Art gallery and The Wyvern Theatre.

Steam will be celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Swindon Rail Works.

Matt said: "We are working alongside Steam for this celebration and will be very interested in any shows which have links to Swindon or its history.''

Anyone interested in taking part in the Fringe should fill in the application form on the Madam Renards website www.madamrenards.co.uk. - Flicky Harrison