National Circus program unveiled

THE NATIONAL Circus Festival has unveiled its full 2024 program.

The three-day festival will take place over four venues at the Mullumbimby Showground from October 4 to 6.

Presented by Spaghetti Circus, the all-ages circus and cabaret shows will explore themes of love, empowerment, and imagination.

Festival Director Alice Caldwell said the 2024 festival would celebrate the variety and creativity of the circus.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s program, bringing together world-class performers and emerging talents to create a truly unforgettable experience for audiences,” Caldwell said.

“From breathtaking acrobatics to heartwarming stories, we’re offering something for everyone, and we can’t wait to share the magic of circus with our community.

“The Mullumbimby Showground will be bursting at the seams with circus acts across multiple stages, including the Big Top and The Famous Spiegeltent and an opportunity you won’t want to miss,” she said.

Highlights include YUCK Circus presenting Naughties, the award-winning Casus Circus’ You & I exploring love and identity, and Small Wonders – a collaboration between National Circus Festival founder Tony Rooke, juggler Joel Salom, and international stars and Spaghetti Circus alumni Bridie Hooper and Billie Wilson-Coffey.

Spaghetti Circus presents its hit show Monumental 2.0, reimagined in the round for a Big Top with an original, live score by Musical Director and local violinist Sue Simpson, joined by trumpet player Harry James Angus of The Cat Empire.

Young audiences can also enjoy Hana Fiesta’s Disco Fiasco, an interactive circus dance party for kids, the Pitts Family Circus presenting their acrobatic family act, Corie Hurry’s Planet Lava, and Scott Hone’s BMX Trick Bike Show.

An extensive cabaret program includes Jake Silvestro, international hoop sensation Anna Fisher, Mario Queen of the Circus, and clowning impresario Clare Bartholomew as Astrid Rott from Die Roten Punkte.

Musical moments will include the roving jazz club Jazz Family, a swampy, riverside juke joint led by Harry James Angus with special guests, and the Shire Choir led by Melia Naughton.

The world-renowned 1920’s Famous Spiegeltent returns for its second year. The beautiful and original of the last remaining Belgian Spiegeltents has hosted the world’s greatest cabaret, circus, and burlesque artists for a century, including Marlene Dietrich in the 1930s.

For tickets and more information, visit nationalcircusfestival.com