SALISBURY Fringe Festival returns this October and is set to be bigger and better than ever.

For the first time the festival, which is supported by Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID), will run over two weekends in October, instead of just one.

It features a programme of live music and comedy.

The opening weekend will be from Friday, October 2 to Sunday October 4, and the second weekend will run from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11.

Speaking about the festival’s expansion, Salisbury Fringe Festival Chairman Julian Demetriadi, says: “Since launching the Salisbury Fringe in 2013, we have been delighted by the success of our free-of-charge short plays, by Salisbury and surrounding regions’ writers, performed by professional actors in venues as diverse as the city’s Cross Keys Shopping Centre, The Cloisters pub and Cosy Club.

"We are thrilled that, thanks to the magnificent support of the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID), we are now able to expand the Festival to run over the first two weekends in October; and look forward to exciting events in new Fringe venues such as Fisherton Mill, Sarum College Refectory and The Salisbury Museum.”

Salisbury BID’s business manager Steve Godwin added: “The Salisbury BID is delighted to be supporting the Salisbury Fringe in its aim to expand and develop its scope and to appeal to an even wider audience in 2015. As well as championing its cutting edge works performed by talented local scriptwriters, Salisbury Fringe is for the first time this year, expanding its operation over a second weekend to include a programme of quality live music and comedy.

“Now in its third year, the Fringe is firmly established as a favourite in Salisbury’s event calendar, and we look forward to the festival pushing the boundaries and appealing to even wider and diverse audience across the city. The event commences on 2nd October and will run until 11th October, supporting Salisbury over its Purple Flag weekend, and helping to promote our proud status as a lively, safe and accommodating environment to have a good night out.”

The full Salisbury Fringe Festival 2015 programme and venues will be announced shortly. For more information salisburyfringe.co.uk