The box office for Watford's eighth annual Fringe Festival is now officially open.

The 2024 festival will feature more than 50 performances spanning a month and introduces open-air venues for the first time.

More acts are expected to join the line-up by late May.

The diverse range of events includes theatre, music, comedy, and dance performances, magic acts, and family-friendly entertainment.

The festival, running from July 1 to August 4, is organised by the Watford Pump House in collaboration with Watford Borough Council, Watford Palace Theatre, and the Watford and Three Rivers Trust.

Fifteen unique performance spaces – a record high for the festival – will be used, including Watford Pump House, Cassiobury Park Bandstand, The Garden Rooms, The Wellspring Church, St Mary’s Church, Cheslyn House, The Barn, the LP Café, Mad Squirrel, and Watford Palace Theatre.

Lee Farman, chair of the Watford Pump House, said: "We’re really excited to be bringing you an extended Watford Fringe Festival this year, encompassing even more of the best culture and arts that Watford has to offer.

"Every year we’re growing in scale and reputation and we’re attracting more and more exciting acts."

As the festival expands, a call has been put out to potential performers who are invited to register their event online before the end of May.

No selection criteria has been specified for performers wishing to partake in the festival, indicative of the Fringe's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Similarly, as the number of performances surges, the need for volunteers also increases.

The Fringe Festival welcomes support from volunteers keen on ensuring a well-organised execution of the programme and an enjoyable experience for the audience.

The Watford Fringe Festival was established in 2016 to nurture local talent and bring high-quality art to the Watford community.

Its continued success has been possible through the support of the Watford Pump House, Watford Borough Council, the Watford Palace Theatre and the Watford and Three Rivers Trust, as well as the numerous volunteers helping with show promotion and audience care.

For more details on Watford Fringe Festival 2024, to book tickets, volunteer or register as a performer, visit the festival's website at watfringe.co.uk.