The National Circus Festival of Ireland returns once again to Tralee to celebrate its 17th year in the town. Today the festival confirms its lineup release for 2018, running from the 8th – 11th of November, with a host of International and Irish acts showcasing their skills. Throughout the weekend, there will be a full programme of adult and children’s workshops, including aerial and acrobatics, on offer that are included in the ticket prices, from people looking to learn a new circus-based skill, advanced level workshops for the seasoned festival goer, as well as workshops for children throughout the weekend.
Headlining the festival are Pss Pss, a two-piece character group inspired by the era of silent film as they take to the stage in a timeless performance of enthralling physicality and humour. “Sometimes a show is such a total delight that it is hard to write about it without just gushing – Pss Pss is such a show. See it, see it.” – Total Theatre
Adrian Schvarzstein will be bringing his character, The Greenman, catering to the world of chaos, surprise and provocative innocence, that has both delighted and intrigued audiences worldwide. Japanese artist, Youske Ikeda, will be bringing his world-famous “Hello Goodbye” routine to the people of Tralee. Other acts in the line-up are Cikada Circus, comprising of acrobatic duo Ali Stranger and Henrik Gard, who will create a mutual acrobatic language of finesse and honesty, worldwide magician Pau Segalés, Israelian juggler Sagi Bracha, renowned circus performer Mathieu, as well as Northern Ireland’s Logy, who will act as MC with more acts to be announced.
There will be pop up performances, shows nightly at the Festival club, the ever popular Circus Siamsa shows on Saturday, as well as a festival parade trailing through the streets of Tralee, looking for the people of Kerry to release their inner clown and join in the madness.
The festival was founded in 2001 by Con Horgan of Fanzini Productions and is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, IOMST and Tralee Chamber Alliance. It is the national showcase for contemporary circus in Ireland with workshops, shows, on-street entertainment and more available throughout the weekend.
Tickets for National Circus Festival of Ireland are on sale via Siamsa Tíre Theatre at (066) 7123055 or online at www.siamsatire.com/. Early Bird convention tickets are now on sale at €65. Family convention tickets are available with prices starting from €90.
Information on tickets, workshops and events throughout the weekend can be found on www.circusfestival.ie
