Picture of the Circus Festival Ireland Stamp

Picture of the Press Releases Heading



'Clowns give Cork city spring clean!'


Unusual preparations for a unique event
February 2nd 2008

A 'cracked' troupe of Cork clowns hit the city centre armed with hoovers and feather dusters, in a desperate attempt to get the streets ready for the newest event on the nation's calendar. Circus Festival Ireland kicks off on Friday the 15th of February and runs until Sunday 17th. The weekend long festival offers festival goers the chance to be trained by some of the most recognized circus skill practitioners in Europe. Workshops in skills as diverse as unicycle, acrobatics, trapeze, juggling and clowning are all on offer to any interested members of the public over sixteen years of age.
“Recent reports of rainy clouds, winter blues and runny noses have left us with a considerable task ahead to get the town ready for Circus Festival Ireland.” stated Clown Kipper, the group’s leader. "No dusty street corner is safe and no down turned face will be ignored. Cork and its people must sparkle!"

The clown clean-up team focused 'feather duster' treatment particularly on all routes leading to the Firkin Crane, the venue for the festival's public show. On Saturday 16th at 5pm the circus really will ‘come to town.' All invited circus artists will display their skills in a bonanza of acts which are guaranteed to amaze and astonish.

"We have so many acts that the show will spill out on to the streets with pre-show performances happening outside the theatre. This once off show is a must for anyone or any family yearning for some carnival madness and circus fun!" says Clown Kipper.

Tickets are on sale through the website or in Plugd Records in Cork. For further details please visit www.circusfestivalireland.com.
ENDS

Picture of Clown Kipper























‘Cork welcomes Circus Festival Ireland’


January 15th 2008

Early in 2008, Cork will have its winter blues blown away when 'Circus Festival Ireland' will make Cork the Capital of Circus! This new and exhilarating festival takes place 15th - 17th of February and will light up the city with the skills, grace, colour and comedy of contemporary circus. Thanks to significant support from the Cork City Council Arts Office, the people of Cork can look forward to some of the brightest stars of contemporary circus coming to town during this three day interactive event. The festival is hosted by University College Cork who are providing their state of the art Mardyke Arena for a weekend of spectacular workshops and games.

This is the ultimate opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including juggling, acrobatics, clowning, globe walking, uni-cycling, stilt walking, comedy improv and much more! The workshops and games are open to all; beginners as well as advanced!

Some of Europe's most accomplished circus tutors and performers including John Lee (UK), Stefan Sing (Germany), Amani Acrobats (Ireland), Compagnie with Balls (The Netherlands), Imakokode (France), Meghan Pike (Scotland), Olvier 'Olive' Masson (France), Ronan McLoughlin (Ireland), Kamil 'Dzielny' Dzilinski (Poland) & many more are joining in, and on Saturday 16th February 'when the circus comes to town', they will be showing off their talents in two spectacular city centre shows in Cork’s Firkin Crane

'Cork City Council are delighted to support this new venture. As a festival city we embrace both established and young festivals in Cork. We believe Circus Festival Ireland will make a significant contribution to the cultural life of the city and hope the citizens of Cork come along and enjoy all that is on offer', said the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Donal Counihan.

For more information check our website at www.circusfestivalireland.com and join our News Letter!
ENDS

We've also had a visual face-lift on our My Space so make sure to visit www.myspace.com/circusfestivalireland and become our friend!



CIRCUS FESTIVAL IRELAND
15 - 17 FEBRUARY 2008
HOSTED BY UCC, CORK CITY, IRELAND