Victoria's arts community will descend on the state capital next month for the start of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The event, which runs between September 22nd and October 10th 2010, has become a vital showcase for independent artists since it first took place back in 1982.

Over the past two decades, the organisers have presented more than 50,000 artists to more than two million people, including a mix of locals and tourists staying in Melbourne hotels.

Half a million people took in the festival's various activities - such as the Fringe Hub at North Melbourne, Made by Melbourne Fringe programme and the Independent programme - in 2008, while an extra 60,000 enjoyed last year's spectacle.

With huge interest in the event expected again this year, culture vultures who are keen to attend should book up some of the cheap accommodation Melbourne has available as soon as possible.

The full schedule for the 2010 Fringe will not be announced until the start of September, although last year the likes of the Melbourne Town Players, comedian Josh Thomas and dance act Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall all appeared.

Ticketing details will also be released on September 1st and will be available to purchase online or at the venues