The colourful vibrant Tauranga Fringe Festival is bursting back onto the Tauranga arts scene again in early March. 

The "whimsical and wondrous celebration of the arts" is set to descend on Tauranga's Historic Village on Saturday, March 9, say the organisers at the heart of the village art hub.

The creative day at 17th Avenue will "unfold its enchantments" from 10am - 5pm.

Festival goers are encouraged to prepare for a kaleidoscope of sensations, from Spanish puppetry theatre to live melodies, street performances, art exhibitions featuring the fiery Kiln God at the Pothouse gallery, poetic reveries, bustling markets, delectable feasts, and, of course, the esteemed presence of donkeys - a special request for this year's revelry.

"The Tauranga Fringe 2024 is an event that it’s very dear to our hearts," says Simone Anderson, the creative luminary behind The Incubator Creative Hub.

"It’s a realm where mindbending artistic experiences are bestowed upon the community. It's a whirlwind affair where artistic visionaries showcase their talents, captivating the audience and igniting artistic energies.

"Embrace your inner performer, adorn yourself flamboyantly, unleash your creativity, and join in this grand artistic carnival!”

Following the resounding success of the 2022 Fringe, which drew over 5000 enthusiasts, Simone says this year's festivity promises a fresh wave of creativity and visceral stimulation.

"Our vision for 2024? A day brimming with the eccentric, the exquisite, and the avant-garde," says Simone.

"For a mere tenner, immerse yourself in a day of endless merriment with performances, music, markets, and a special treat - children under 14 enter for free!" says Fringe Ringmaster extraordinaire Marama Mateparae.

A cornerstone of the event remains the iconic Tauranga Fringe fashion runway.

"We have surprises in store this year, featuring a diverse array from haute couture luminaries like international designer Kharl Wirepa to cultural couture and everything in between," says Marama.

"All shall be revealed on the day. In a crescendo of artistic fervor, this year's Fringe hosts music, poetry, and even a solitary one man play across eight stages stretching from the front gate to the chapel."

Marama says new additions to Fringe 24 include a family disco, The ‘Cringe of the Fringe’ Bad Poetry, a stand-up comedy showcase, and musicians from across the motu.

"The collaboration with new event partners such as The Historic Village Tauranga, Beats of Plenty, Rozella Presents, Little Big Markets, Engaging Solutions, Euphoria Live Entertainment, and Creative New Zealand coming on board as the principal sponsor, heralds a momentous expansion for this multifaceted gathering, enriching the city's cultural tapestry," says Marama.

"Our team is thrilled to support this vibrant and inclusive event - witnessing its evolution towards a day of boundless joy filled with engaging experiences has been truly exhilarating and we love being part of this event team," says Historic Village facilitator Michelle Smith.

The buzz surrounding Fringe is palpable.

"The day will be teeming with excitement," says fashion coordinator Queen Ora Pihema.

"I'm thrilled with the submissions for this year's catwalk show. We are all eagerly anticipating a magnificent day for Tauranga," says Queen.

“I literally can't wait for this biennial celebration of creatives flying their Fringe flags high," says new event partner Brutus Powers from Beats of Plenty.

"It is an amazing melting pot of arts, performance and culture. Tauranga is truly in for something very special this year," says Brutus.

Key details of the Tauranga Fringe 2024:

Where: The Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga

When: 10am – 5pm Saturday, March 9

Cost: $10 per adult, under 14-years-old free