For the first time this year Belfast Arts Festival will have a Fringe Festival running alongside it (November 10th - 28th), which aims to "create a platform for artists of all disciplines, across all borders, local, regional, national and international". It's completely open and all interested groups should apply for registration by September 1st to: Caoimhe McAvinchey, Co-ordinator, Belfast Festival Fringe (01232) 663733.

This is the last chance to become a Friend of the Dublin Fringe Festival, or as they prefer to call it, "a Fringe Devil". For £20, sent to the festival office at 36-37 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, before August 24th, aspiring devils will be able to see their names in print on an advance copy of the festi- val programme - and, no doubt, will be invited to all the best Fringe parties.