The festival ran from Friday May 7 to Sunday May 9.

Phillip Aughey from Newcastle Fringe Festival Inc, trading as Dubbo Fringe, said the inaugural festival was a 'great success'.

"It all went off much better than I could've imagined," Aughey said.

Aughey said more than 880 seats were booked prior to the events, with more than 80 more tickets sold at doors and another 163 seats booked out for competition winners.

Those numbers were higher than expected, with some of the performers having been nervous about a lack of interest.

Performances ranged from local acts to touring acts- many coming from Newcastle to perform in Dubbo for the first time, with shows ranging from cabaret to comedy, music, dance, circus, theatre, poetry and visual performance art.

As a result of its success in its very first year, a return of Dubbo Fringe is looking promising for 2022.

"These numbers are far greater than I was hoping for," he said.

"The feedback that we have received has been very positive.

"It would appear that Dubbo likes the idea of a Fringe festival."

"A huge thanks to all sounds tech, sponsors, volunteers, board members and artists.

"What a great first Dubbo Fringe."

Performers and shows were also presented with Dubbo Fringe 2021 awards across several categories.

Aughey said the most 'deserving shows' were selected for the awards.

Circus West and Notes from my Phone were the receivers of the Best Show From Dubbo Artists award, with Noval Future/Civil Hands and Llaney and Me having also been nominated.

Up The Nerdsville Track by Clark Gormley took out the win for Best Comedy act.

Also nominated was Who Let the Dyke Out, The Art of Falling in Love and Failure to Launch.

Victor Martinez Parada took out the win for Best Musical Act.

Nominations also included Snez, Noval Future/Civil Hands, Llaney and Me and Tin Camp Studio Sessions.

Best Performance went to Steve Wilson for his show Camino Man.

Who Me, a show by Rob Lloyd, took out the win for Artistic Merit.

Also nominated was OMG WTF, Victor Martinez Parada, Notes from My Phone and Disenchanted.

Lastly, Disenchanted by Eliane Morel took out the win for Best Show. Also nominated was Mad Bitches Inc, OMG WTF and Who Me.

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