The magic of the circus is coming to Ipswich this weekend, with the Ipswich Circus Festival promising two days of world-class performances, hands-on activities and family entertainment at the Ipswich Showgrounds.
Founded by local social enterprise Circus Ipswich, the festival begins with a Gala Cabaret on Friday evening before opening the gates for a free-flowing Community Day on Saturday, showcasing the diversity and creativity of modern circus arts.
Circus Ipswich Founder and Creative Director Dr Meg Hooper said the organisation was established in 2017 with a vision to use circus as more than just entertainment.
“We became really interested in social circus, where you use circus workshops, skills and performances to build community and connection,” Dr Hooper said.
“We didn’t really have that in Ipswich, so I decided if it was going to happen, I’d have to do it myself.”
What started with just eight children attending workshops has grown into a thriving community organisation supporting almost 60 young people through regular training programs, performances and community events.
Dr Hooper said circus offered opportunities that many traditional sports and activities could not.
“Not every young person wants to play football or soccer or do ballet,” she said.
“Circus is very much a team activity. It gives young people a sense of belonging while allowing them to take risks in a very safe environment.”
She said learning circus skills builds confidence, trust and resilience.
“Circus performance is inherently risky, but because of that we surround it with a huge amount of safety. People are actually more willing to challenge themselves because they feel supported.”
Gala showcases the best of contemporary circus
The festival opens on Friday night with a Gala Cabaret featuring professional performers from across Australia.
Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of aerial performances, cabaret, burlesque, opera, live music and contemporary circus acts.
“We want to show people just how broad circus really is,” Dr Hooper said.
“We have aerial artists, burlesque performers, opera singers who also perform circus skills—circus is about bringing all of those art forms together to entertain people.”
Community Day welcomes everyone
The festival continues on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with a Community Day designed to give people of all ages the opportunity to experience circus firsthand.
Visitors can take part in workshops, try circus skills, enjoy live performances throughout the day, browse market stalls and enjoy food vendors.
“There is a place for everyone in circus,” Dr Hooper said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re two years old or 92 years old—there will be something for you.”
The event will also feature performances by Circus Ipswich’s youth troupe, who will debut a brand-new show, alongside musicians, aerial performers and roaming entertainers.
Returning favourites include the organisation’s popular stilt-walking bin chickens, which became a hit with crowds at this year’s Ipswich Show.
“Our young people will be roaming the grounds on stilts throughout the day, along with plenty of other performers creating a fun and energetic atmosphere,” Dr Hooper said.
She said the festival celebrates not only circus as an art form, but also the community that surrounds it.
“It’s really about bringing people together, creating connection and giving everyone the opportunity to experience something a little bit different.”
The Ipswich Circus Festival will be held at the Ipswich Showgrounds, with the Gala Cabaret on Friday evening and the Community Day running Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets and further information are available through the Ipswich Showgrounds website.
0 Comments