Coronavirus: Reading Fringe Festival 2020 moves online thanks to ACE funding

The majority of shows will be available for free or on a donations-only basis, which will go directly to artists.

Festival director Zsuzsi Lindsay said: "We are all about trying new things and making culture as accessible as possible, so we are really excited to be doing both this year with a digital fringe. The health of our audience, artists and team is paramount so we are delighted that the Arts Council support allows us to continue to showcase local, national and international talent while respecting guidelines.

"We’ve prided ourselves on bringing top performances right to where people are, from an orchestra playing at the station to a puppet bus on Broad Street, so to have the chance to deliver a festival right into homes and personal devices is a real privilege.”

The festival has been running since 2013 and last year saw 5,000 people attend more than 100 events across the town.