Bally on High Festival pops up in Northcote

BoH_Dave CallanAudiences can expect a delightful array of events at the Bally on High Festival next month, when it pops up in front of Northcote Town Hall – a colourful circus dome will host a selection of world-class live entertainment from 21 November – 7 December.

Now in its second year, Bally on High is a not-for-profit festival run by artists and producers with the aim to be a part of their own neighbourhood and community. The festival’s Melbourne-based producer Elena Kirschbaum works on a national scale, co-producing Gluttony at Adelaide Fringe and the National Folk Festival.

This festival is all about bringing her vision closer to home. At Bally on High, audiences will step into an intimate tent fit for a maharajah – complete with drapes, chandeliers and plush cushions for seating. A ‘toastie bar’ will offer savoury and dessert toasties, and the pop-up bar will provide craft beers, tea-cup cocktails and more.

This year’s program presents 49 eclectic events for adults, children and families. The first line-up announcement features hilarious and beardy comedy from Dave Callan; kids and family events including The Very Circusy Caterpillar, Le Petit Circus and bocce tournaments; Fast Forward and Tim & Debbie star, Stephen Blackburn, with Unbearably Hip.

Explore your inner drag in the So You Think You Can Drag competition hosted by the incredible Dolly Diamond; Vintage Variety features the best acts from the 1900s hosted by Andrew McClelland and Bobby and the Pins; or checkout the big ol’ silent disco in the circus tent every Friday night.

Immaculate Deception features expert magic and trickery from Tim Ellis; checkout the best circus students from NICA as they present Remember The Days: A circus narrative full of magic, acrobatics and object manipulation, while The Late Night Comedy Variety Show presents some of Melbourne’s best comedians and adult variety entertainers.

Moosehead Award-winning Jonestown presents Safety House with a rotating line up of vaudevillian vulgarians, unorthodox acts, marginalised magicians, comedians, oddballs and eccentrics; and to top it all off, The Big Kids Party – a big finale event for adults who miss the joy of kids parties – with a naughty twist!

Bally on High Festival
Northcote Civic Square, 189 High Street, Northcote
Dates: 21 November – 7 December 2014
Bookings: www.tixnofee.com

For more information and complete program, visit: www.thebally.com.au for details.

Image: Dave Callan