Joy and wonder at the circus

THE 2024 National Circus Festival wrapped up last weekend with breathtaking performances and spectacular sights at Mullumbimby Showground.

Over three days, almost 3000 circus lovers gathered for over 100 performances to witness 60 local, national and international artists.

The Famous Spiegeltent hosted improvisation specialist Daniel Oldaker, the irrepressible Mario Queen of the Circus hoop artist Anna Fisher, and internationally renowned Jake Silvestro. Belfast’s Snatch Circus captivated crowds with jaw-dropping stunts, Australia’s A Good Catch Circus received standing ovations and female trailblazers YUCK Circus’ high-energy show Naughties had audiences in stitches.

Spaghetti Circus captivated the Big Top audience with extraordinary skills and vitality with its new work, Monumental 2.0, set to an original live score featuring 26 performers.

Attendees were hands-on in workshops and activities, from acrobatics and juggling to the flying trapeze. Sunday heralded a new female record by Indra Garvey for 100 backsaults in a row.

The preceding sold-out National Training Program, fostering connection, creativity, skills and friendships, hosted 500 workshops over five days. The program attracted 150 participants and 57 trainers from around the country, as well as an additional 42 grommets and 20 carny kids.

National Circus Festival director Alice Caldwell said she was thrilled by the community’s infectious energy, creativity, joy and support.

“The huge audiences on Saturday and high attendance across the weekend is a testament to how circus arts continue to inspire and unite people,” she said.

“From our youngest performer at just three years old to our oldest over 70, this festival truly celebrated diversity, talent and joy.”

To find out more about circus activities in the region, visit spaghetticircus.com.