Where creativity meets connection
Reimagining what a festival can be for the community, Sofar Fringe is offering unique locations, affordable ticket prices (£15–£40), secret sets, short queues for clean toilets, and multi-disciplinary formats spanning music, comedy, dating, dance, food, and spoken word.
Coming to venues across Shoreditch, on Sat 11 Oct, the various lineups represent some of London’s most exciting emerging artists, whilst simultaneously challenging the traditional hierarchies by eliminating headliners in favor of curated performances to highlight the depth and diversity of the city’s creative scene.
Fran Jackson, Director of Partnerships & Event Operations for Sofar London says that any traditional mainstage acts that appear will be unannounced surprises. “This reinforces our ethos of championing artistic talent for the art itself, rather than celebrity or status,” they added. “The strong early ticket sales show that Londoners are excited by this approach and eager for experiences that celebrate creativity in its purest form.”
Sofar is a global community reimagining the art of live experience—turning unconventional spaces into intimate showcases for local grassroots art and culture. Born in a London flat in 2009, Sofar began as an answer to a growing problem: live music had lost its magic. It blossomed into a global movement that kept music at its heart while expanding to comedy, dating, food & drink, dance, and more—all connected by Sofar’s renowned track record for discovering rising talent. Countless mainstage performers like Billie Eilish, Jack Harlow, Chappell Roan, Leon Bridges, YEBBA, Teddy Swims, Remi Wolf, Hozier, and Lola Young have played Sofar shows early in their careers. In the past four years alone, Sofar alumni have earned 129 Grammy nominations and 21 wins. Each Sofar show is one-of-a-kind due to the surprising pairing of live experience with unconventional space. Sofar shows have taken place in caves; churches; hidden museum rooms; private living rooms, gardens, and rooftops; a ski jump tower; countless boats, ships, and catamarans; a toy shop; a wax museum; and many other delightful plac
Sofar Fringe is partnering with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), the suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives. Timed to follow World Mental Health Day on Fri 10 Oct, the festival will highlight how music and culture can serve as powerful conduits for raising awareness and supporting mental health.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably offers support to anyone struggling with life, and provide everyone with the skills to help prevent suicide. They've got loads of tools and resources to help people find the support they need, including a life-saving helpline for people who can’t see a way forward, as well as vital online resources for anyone who needs them.
The charity also runs vital campaigns to increase awareness, smash stereotypes, and change the culture around mental health and suicide. To learn more about CALM, their services, or to find support and advice, please visit: www.thecalmzone.net
SOFAR FRINGE LINE-UP HIGHLIGHTS
Caversham singer/songwriter with haunting vocals that brought the judges of Britain’s Got Talent to tears
Special curation from Sofar Brighton. Soulful beats and fast paced emotional, dynamic lyricism. A mixture of 00s RnB classic reminiscent backing and modern neo-soul vocals similar to Cleo Soul.
This Irish artist’s powerful voice and confessional, folk-infused songwriting style is the soundtrack to your existential crisis
For the audience, each track plays like a diary entry, pulling you deeper into the story of her life.
Specially curated by Sofar Manchester, Call Me Unique blends jazz, soul, futurebeats, and scat-singing, inspired by Lauryn Hill, Ed Sheeran, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes.
South London indie-pop and jazz artist whose witty lyricism and irresistible melodies are giving Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse.
Folk singer-songwriter releasing his album gradually through the Room 7 on the 7th project. His modern folk sound blends poetic lyricism with indie and trad sytle touches, creating a warm, raw, and confessional style. For fans of Ben Howard, Nick Mulvey, Bob Dylan, and Big Thief.
Alternative-R&B/Pop artist with a personal and free thinking portfolio of lyricism surrounded by nostalgic instrumentals
South African artist on a mission to liberate his audience through live dance music; a combination of electronic, world and jazz. Four Tet meets Fela Kuti with a dance crew.
A contemporary classical pianist, composer, and teacher from London with stylings similar to Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ludovico Einaudi and Yann Tiersen who has performed at the city’s most prestigious music venues.
London-based pop-soul singer-songwriter from the Netherlands with a voice that's drawn comparisons to Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, and Lola Young
Rave music on the acoustic guitar for a truly unconventional live experience.
Special curation from Sofar Bristol. South East-born, Bristol-forged child of rock fusing airy guitar with lyrical depth.
International Spoken Word and Battle Rap performer inspired by the likes of George The Poet, Kojey Radical, Suli Breaks and Kendrick Lamar.
Often described as a vocal gymnast, Natalie is inspired by the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, Minnie Riperton and Mariah Carey; with intricate vocal runs and whistle tones lacing her music.
With powerhouse vocals fit for a ’90s house diva, she’s become one of club music’s most in-demand voices, hopping on recent tracks by DubVision, Example, and Benny Benassi.
Former under 18s UK Beatboxing champion, two time Eastbox beatbox champion and current champion of the London beatbox cup.
Multi-award-winning comedian and author “armed with bags of attitude” (The Herald).
Cellist reimagining the instrument’s possibilities, fusing jazz and blues with guitar-like phrasing.
SOFAR FRINGE takes over venues across Shoreditch on Sat 11 Oct 2025 (2pm until late).
For more information, visit: www.sofarfringe.uk
Main image by Roberto Esposito
SALT Staff Writer
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