For 10 days in the summer, art of all kinds takes over the city.

From June 16 to 26 this year, the London Fringe Festival hits the streets, bringing an eclectic mix of plays, sketch comedy, performance art and visual art to the downtown core.

"Fringe theatre" is a term used to describe alternative theatre — stuff you probably won't see on Broadway. This means that artists have a lot of freedom to do pretty much whatever they want. (A few Fringes ago, this reporter took in a show called Transcendental Masturbation. It was glorious.)

There are eight venues in which to view the work of 45 companies around the city. "It's a good mix of international, national, provincial and local (talent) with a good visual art component," described Kathy Navackas, executive producer of the London Fringe Festival.

The Visual Fringe component of the festival is free. It takes place in the Arts Project on Dundas Street. This year, there are 30 visual artists showing their work.

When attending the Fringe Festival shows in London, visitors must purchase a button to support the Fringe organization. A button is required to be able to purchase tickets for individual shows. The festival often offers ticket packages, so you can buy tickets for multiple shows at a discounted price.

The London Fringe Festival is a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals, a registered charity.

"It was founded 15 years ago because at that time, there were several Fringe Festivals in Canada," explained Navackas. "The festivals banded together to discover what they were each doing, and to understand what makes these fests unique."

As the groups met over the years, they decided to formalize and trademark the idea of a national group of Fringe Festivals. This meant that any festival under the Fringe banner would adhere to four criteria: a non-juried application processes (e.g.: plays were chosen on a first come, first serve basis or by lottery), artists keep 100 per cent of ticket sales, artists are ensured artistic freedom and festivals must be accessible.

Accessibility is of major importance to the London team, and Navackas explained that they have a number of ways to strive for accessibility.

"We keep application fees low so that it is an affordable option for artists, and we keep ticket prices affordable (for attendees)," she said.

She also said that the Festival takes accessibility one step further. "All regular venues are physically accessible," said Navackas. "It does limit us insofar as locations where we can do extra things."

The festival also has a bring-your-own-venue option for artists who have a certain spot for their show in mind. "These aren't always accessible," she said. "It's really not our preferred choice, but when it's under the bring your own venue category, it's up to the artists. We're really trying to make sure that we encourage (accessible spaces)."

The first London Fringe Festival took place in 2000. It has grown to become the eight largest Fringe Festival in Canada.

For those of you who can't wait until June to get some Fringe-y goodness, not to fret: the Fringe holds another excellent event earlier in the year.

From March 11 to 14, the Fringe will hold a 62-Hour Film Contest. The contest is now in its third year and is "tons o' fun," according to Navackas. Filmmakers have 62 hours to make a film that includes four criteria: a specific site or image, a line of dialogue, a prop and an overall theme. "This way, it stops people from having pre-written a film because they have to include all these other components," Navackas explained. The maximum length for each film is 10 minutes, and must be shot in 62 hours. All films will be screened on the afternoon of March 20.

If you've missed Toronto's Nuit Blanche — or you just didn't feel like freezing your tush off to take it all in — the Fringe is bringing a mini version to London in the summer. On June 18, the downtown core will be transformed with events and art installations. Last year's attendance hit close to 27,000, according to Navackas. "Downtown was just electric," she remembered. "There were people everywhere!"

For more information about the 62-Hour Film Festival, Petit Nuit Blanche, or to volunteer or submit your troupe for a chance at a spot in Fringe, visit www.londonfringe.ca.