The approaching winter months with its temperamental climate may give many of us ample reasons to take in many of the indoor events in Ireland such as shows, cultural events and festivals happening nationwide. And over the coming weeks there is a rich variety of contemporary and intriguing shows to illuminate and entertain.
One of the more interesting festivals to note happening next week is the National Circus Festival of Ireland. Run over 3-4 days from 13-16th November in Tralee, this emerging and exciting festival brings contemporary and international circus acts to Irish attention.
Whilst many of us may think we know all there is to know about the circus often gleamed from childhood experience in visiting touring circus’s and from popular culture, this emerging festival of note will be sure to add more layers to our perception of modern circus culture.
This festival, which started as a humble juggling convention in 2001 aiming to bring different circus performers from around the world sharing the latest ideas and movements in this exciting and often overlooked art form together in one spot in County Kerry, has risen to become Ireland’s annual circus festival of note. And it is now a must see event for those interested and involved in contemporary circus bringing curious adults and children into the huge world of the modern international circus industry.
Over the 3 days it is on visitors to Tralee can expect to be entertained and informed by a variety of shows and circus acts. And these are just for starters as there is also a jam packed schedule featuring a selection of bands, DJs, performance art and variety entertainers performing throughout the festival in the special festival club “Circus Sideshow”.
There is also a circus convention for the circus industry performers and a full programme of workshops catering to both adults and children. Of all the acts and shows on offer throughout the three days one of the key highlights of the festival to watch out for is Circus Siamsa, a public variety show held in the Siamsa Tíre Theatre. With the Fanzini Brothers as hosts the show is set to showcase the best in contemporary urban circus with top national and international performers hand picked for the event sure to amaze and engross the audience.
Bringing a range of elements of contemporary circus acts from around the world to a nationwide audience this exciting festival is sure to open ones eyes to the diverse strands of contemporary, circus culture out there from both at home and abroad. So on a cold winters day in November if one is looking to take in a festival or show that is a little bit different to the norm during an Ireland vacation, why not try the National Circus Festival of Ireland bringing some of the best national and international circus talent to a mainstream audience.
A festival that may make one look at circus’s in a new and altogether different light and one of many Irish events that will keep our spirits alive and well in November.