THIS year's 48th Windsor Fringe Festival will be happening all over town from September 21 until October 6.

The presentation of the International Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama will be the highlight - as the three finalist plays are staged over three nights and the winner is announced on the last evening.

Fringe chairman Karen Darville said: "This year's Fringe is bigger and bolder with over 40 events taking place in 19 venues in Windsor. The eclectic mix of events includes everything from theatre, art, comedy and music nights to Portuguese Fado and cocktails."

The passion of Fado music will be brought to life by Claudia Aurora, the internationally acclaimed singer songwriter from Oporto, Portugal - performing traditional Portuguese songs and her own passionate works.

Venues include two schools, a pop-up music venue at the Windsor Hospice Furniture Shop, the Loading Bay Cafe and the Windsor and Eton Brewery - plus the recently reopened Old Court arts centre where the competition plays will be staged.

The Old Court will also host an evening of electronic music with award winning DJ, dance music pioneer and icon Chris Jackson.

This year's Fringe coincides with two important centenaries: the end of the First World War and women's right to vote.

Ms Darville said: "We are pleased to mark them with a range of events, including Eton College's Art Trail and a suffragette walking tour of Windsor."

The Eton College event will start at Brewhouse Yard.

People following the trail will see a display telling the story of Etonian prisoners of war, as well as paintings telling the heartbreaking story of the Battle of the Somme and a unique William Morris tapestry.

Also at the Fringe - families will enjoy a production called the Treasure Boxes, as puppets, dance and interactive theatre come together in a production called the Treasure Boxes.

Local artists will be opening up their homes to show off their work - something which has become a traditional part of the fringe.

Tickets for all events are now on sale. Visit www.windsorfringe.co.uk or call the box office on 01753 743570.

For a brochure with full details, go on website or pick one up at Windsor Royal Shopping Centre or Windsor and Maidenhead libraries.