The Fringe so far has been a bit of a whirlwind...

We started on Friday with our social gathering — a chance to come together, have a brew, chat, share some words and just connect. There was something really lovely about beginning the Fringe that way. No big fanfare, just people gathering in a space, talking, listening and getting to know one another.

And I think that has set the tone for everything that has followed.

Over the last few days, I’ve watched some wonderful workshops delivered by brilliant artists and facilitators, each bringing something completely different to the programme. There has been creativity, laughter, conversations, people trying something new and people simply enjoying being together.

What has struck me most, though, is the community around it all.

There is so much genuine support, love and connection. People showing up for each other, helping out, joining workshops, having conversations, sharing ideas and celebrating what other people are creating. Those little moments that you can’t really plan into a festival programme but somehow become some of the most important parts of it.

Then came Saturday night.

After a full couple of days of Fringe, I headed out with my sister and a friend to see Mr Scruff. We danced. A lot. There may have been a little bit too much partying involved — actually, there definitely was — but we were having a bloody good time.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. During the night there was a difficult moment that left me pretty shaken. I don’t want to give that moment, or the person responsible for it, more space than it deserves. What I will give space to is what happened around it — the kindness, support and genuine care from the people who were there.

And then I carried on dancing.

Sunday morning Daisy was considerably less impressed with Saturday night Daisy.

It was a very long and very fragile Sunday.

But somehow, I got through it.

I even managed to co-host a workshop on Sunday afternoon — which, considering the state of me earlier that day, felt like an achievement in itself.

Then I stepped into my first proper director role at the Town Hall.

That felt like a bit of a moment.

This whole journey with the Fringe has involved learning as I go, taking on responsibilities I haven’t had before, solving problems, supporting people and occasionally thinking, What am I actually doing?

But then you do it.

And you realise you can.

Sunday ended in probably the best way it could have. I had the absolute pleasure of listening to Skinny Lister, surrounded by beautiful friends, music and that brilliant Fringe atmosphere.

And I think that’s what these first few days have been about for me.

Yes, it’s been tiring. Yes, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes. And yes, I probably could have made some slightly wiser Saturday-night choices.

But it has also been joyous.

It has been about community, creativity and people genuinely connecting with one another.

About watching ideas that existed in conversations and bits of paper suddenly become real spaces filled with actual people.

About supporting artists and watching people walk through the door and give something a go.

About dancing with my sister.

About getting up the next day and doing it all over again.

About standing in the Town Hall and realising I’m not just watching the Fringe happen — I’m part of making it happen.

And we’re only a few days in.

I’m tired, slightly battered, incredibly grateful and very excited to see what the rest of the Fringe brings.

And tomorrow evening, there’s no rest just yet — it’s time for Fringe Llangollen Spoken Word.

Because apparently I thought ten days of Fringe wasn’t quite enough!

Onwards.