THE Edinburgh Fringe may be drawing to a close, but never fear - Welwyn's answer to the world-famous festival is about to begin.

For five days a selection of the area's best theatre, music and opera will fill the stage at The Barn Theatre for its third annual Fringe event.

"We thought it would be fun to blast off the new season on a high note," says the Handside Lane venue's artistic director Coral Walton. "There's nostalgia, fantastic drama and fabulous music - with such a variety there’ll be something to appeal to everyone."

Kicking off the Fringe is Footsteps from the Past, an intriguing reflection on the history of Welwyn Garden City (September 9). Councillor Tony Skottowe explores the City's past using excerpts from historical film A Brave Vision.

Next up is Paula Chitty's smash-hit production of Abigail's Party (September 10), which enjoyed sold out shows during its run in St Albans earlier this year.

"It's an iconic 1970s play and it's an evening of domestic hell really," laughs the director, who runs St Albans-based Irrational Theatre Company. "Everyone gets invited round for drinks and all that keeping up with the Jones' angst comes out!"

This is the first play Paula has entered into the Barn Fringe, and she says: "I love theatre - I do opera and plays, and I try very hard to keep local theatre alive.

"I think it's really important that they [The Barn] help other companies show their work and get other people in. The Fringe is nice because it allows companies to go in and introduce themselves to that area.

"We're all battling to get audiences back into local theatre."

Following the classic Mike Leigh play is string ensemble ZHL who can usually be found entertaining visitors to Covent Garden. They will take centre stage during a musical evening that also features the Welwyn Garden City Brass Band, young stars from the Barn Youth Theatre performing a medley of songs from their sell-out summer show Our Day Out and Rachel Dawson singing songs from other popular Barn shows.

Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Sue Kelvin will perform her show Bette Midler and Me accompanied by Tony Award-winning Sarah Travis (Saturday 12) and to round off the festival is The Perfect Picnic, featuring the music of Mozart.

Barn Fringe, The Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, September 9 to 13, a variety of times. Details: 01707 324300, barntheatre.co.uk