Get ready for an extraordinary three-day program of world-class entertainment as the National Circus Festival unveils its full program for 2024. 100’s of events will take place over four venues including The Famous Spiegeltent.
Returning to the Mullumbimby Showground from 4 – 6 October, this year’s festival presented by Spaghetti Circus, promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. From awe-inspiring acrobatics, world-class circus, and sensational cabaret, the festival offers something for everyone, celebrating the diversity and magic of the world of circus.
This year’s program showcases an impressive line-up of headliners, starting with Escalate by Melbourne’s Throw Catch Collective – a thrilling fusion of rhythm, movement and juggling. Belfast based Snatch Circus delivers Snatch and Grab, a chaotic yet captivating show filled with dangerous juggling and absurd acrobatics.
Spaghetti Circus presents their smash hit show Monumental 2.0, reimagined in-the-round for a Big Top audience with exciting new additions to the uber-talented Performance Troupe ensemble of 11–19-year-olds, and an original, live score created by Musical Director and local violin impresario Sue Simpson (Gurrumul, Circus Oz, Midnight Oil) joined by Harry James Angus (The Cat Empire).
The festival features a variety of performances that explore themes of love, empowerment, and imagination. Highlights include the charming circus rom-com Space Between by 13 Eggs, while Stir the Pot by Collective Circus tackles societal pressures and celebrates feminine strength.
National Circus Festival is pleased to announce the world-renowned Famous Spiegeltent will be back for its second year. Built in 1920’s, this Art Nouveau Grande Dame is the most beautiful and original of the last remaining Belgian Spiegeltent’s.
She is a star in her own right and has spent her lifetime at the bequest of festivals and fairgrounds throughout Europe, playing host to the world’s greatest cabaret artists, musicians and circus burlesque performers, including Marlene Dietrich in the 1930’s.
The National Circus Festival are humbled and privileged to be bringing her to the Northern Rivers for the second time ever to be part of the festival. Her intimate booths, ornate bar and bevelled mirrored columns hold a million secrets.
A large cabaret program will showcase some of the best circus and cabaret artists in the world such as Jake Silvestro (CIRCA, Circus Oz), international hoop sensation Anna Fisher, Mario Queen of the Circus (La Clique, La Soiree), and clowning impresario Clare Bartholomew as Astrid Rott from Die Roten Punkte.
All this is just the beginning! We haven’t even mentioned the artists from our first announcement, many of whom are coming directly from their 2024 Edinburgh Fringe season, such as YUCK Circus presenting Naughties a homage to the 90’s, think Backstreet Boys, Britney, and BIG throwback energy, plus award-winning international company Casus Creations, who return with their critically acclaimed show You & I, exploring love and identity with breath-taking acrobatics and poignant storytelling.
And finally Small Wonders – a collaboration between National Circus Festival founder and circus legend Tony Rooke, juggler extraordinaire Joel Salom and international circus stars Spaghetti Circus alumni Bridie Hooper (Polytoxic, Reuben Kaye, Circa) and Billie Wilson-Coffey (CIRCA).
The team from Brunswick Picture House will be presenting their much-loved Cheeky Cabaret and kids’ version Lil’ Cheeky featuring the best artists in the business under the glitz and glamour of The Famous Spiegeltent.
Experience the enchanting fusion where cabaret’s cheeky humour and sophisticated flair meet the daring acrobatics and mesmerising feats of the circus, creating an unforgettable spectacle that delights all the senses.
A new addition to the program is Jazz Family a roving jazz club, a moveable feast of some of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting improvising musicians. A swampy, riverside juke joint, heavy on the dance floor energy led by trumpeter Harry James Angus and featuring many special guests.
You can also get involved and sing your heart out with Shire Choir’s unique collective singing experience lead by Melia Naughton. Learn a classic pop/rock song in parts and then belt it out in a room full of wonderful humans.
“The 2024 National Circus Festival is a celebration of the incredible variety and creativity of circus,” said Festival Director Alice Caldwell.
“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 of all ages. From breath-taking acrobatics to heartwarming stories, we’re offering something for everyone, and we can’t wait to share the magic of circus with our community.”
“We know everyone deserves moments of joy, that’s why we’ve made tickets incredibly affordable – only $25 for kids to enjoy 11 hours of non-stop entertainment. The Mullumbimby Showground will be bursting at the seams with circus acts across multiple stages, including the Big Top and The Famous Spiegeltent; this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss, and we’re super excited to share it with you!” said Alice.
The National Circus Festival hosts a dual program with two distinct streams, including a five-day National Training Program from 29 September – 3 October, assembling the nation’s best circus artists in one location to train, collaborate and develop existing works.
The 2024 National Circus Festival takes place at the Mullumbimby Showground from 4 – 6 October. For more information and full program, visit: www.nationalcircusfestival.com for details.
Images: National Circus Festival – photo by Cecilia Martin Photography | The Famous Spiegeltent – photo by Cecilia Martin Photography | Cheeky Cabaret – photo by Jessica Connell Photography