KERRY County Museum is celebrating National Science Week and National Circus Festival all in one event on this Saturday at 2.30pm and 4pm.
‘StrongWomenScience’ is a performance and workshop suitable for all the family. Ever wanted to know how you balance a chair on your chin, if you can juggle liquid, or how circus performers eat fire?
StrongWomen Aoife and Maria – an engineer and a chemist turned circus artists – reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks.
In a fun, lively and fast-paced circus performance, you’ll discover how jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop artists use science to create their amazing acts. It costs €10 per person and booking is recommended on 066 7127777 or contact Education Officer Claudia at education@kerrymuseum.ie
THE 15th annual National Circus Festival will get underway in Tralee from Thursday to Sunday, November 10-13.
The cream of Irish and international contemporary circus entertainers – such as Silver Lining and Jackson Lane who will present the Irish premiere of Throwback, a fast-paced, feel-good explosion of physical skill and fun – will come to Tralee over the weekend.
Audiences will be enthralled by Kamchatka, one of the most popular acts on the European outdoor arts scene and top acts from the UK, Italy, America, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Israel and France.
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Presented by Fanzini Productions, full details of the performers, workshops, parade, children’s shows, ISACS seminar and accommodation are available from National Circus Festival of Ireland.
The National Circus Festival of Ireland is supported by the Arts Council and sponsored by Siamsa Tíre Theatre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Kerry County Council, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Fáilte Ireland and Irish Organisation, Market and Street Traders (IOMST).
Con Horgan, with youngsters promoting the National Circus Festival of Ireland.
FROM its humble beginnings as a juggling convention 12 years ago, The National Circus festival is now Ireland’s largest annual circus festival and takes place in Tralee from November 13 – 16.
Details of this year’s line-up have just been announced and families from all over the country will enjoy watching some of the best street entertainers and circus performers in the world.
We spoke to, Con Horgan, one half of the The Fanzini Brothers and is also the festival’s Artistic Director.
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“It’s ratcheted up now in the last number of years, we’re selling out shows in Siamsa Tire all the time, last year we did a few things in the town that were massive successes as well,” said Con.
“There is a great local support, the response has been incredible. People are eager to know what’s on and what’s happening” said Con.
Other highlights during the four-day festival will see the Lost in Translation Circus present “Hogswallop” and the two Circus Family Shows on Friday at Siamsa Tíre Theatre.
Two venues – KDYS Denny Street and Moyderwell School Hall – will host the annual Circus Convention where performers work tirelessly to develop their skills.
Fels Point Hotel will host the Festival Club on Friday, November 14 at 10pm. Moyderwell School Hall will host two exciting Children’s workshops on Saturday and Sunday at 11am.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do as director of the festival is bring the town with us on this,” said Con.
“We have great local support and have been building a national audience. Our next goal now is to bring in a significant international audience,” said Con.
“The festival brings money into the town at a time when there is very little else going on, so it’s a vital injection of cash for businesses,” said Con.
Tickets to the many shows and workshops at the National Circus Festival of Ireland are available from Siamsa Tíre on 066 7123055 or Siamsa Tire website.
Get the Roses’ autographs around town today. Photo by Domnick Walsh
HEY! It’s Saturday and the festival is really in full swing with loads to do around town and beyond (don’t forget the races in Ballybeggan!).
From the vast array of events, here’s our choices of the day…
Rose Signings
Where? Imperal Hotel, Grand Hotel, Brogue Inn
When? 12pm – 3pm and 4:30pm
You’ll be able to rub shoulders with the Roses at three locations in the town centre so it’s a great place to take the kids. The ladies will be there to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Getting it under way are the Canadian and American Roses who will be outside the Imperial at 12pm. They will be followed by the Australian, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates Roses in the Brogue at 3pm. Rounding the whole thing off will be the Irish, British and Luxemborg Roses in the Grand at 4:30pm.
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Family Town
Where? Pearse Park
When? 12pm – 6pm
Pearse Park, just opposite the Ashe Memorial Hall, will be choc-full of events for all the family all this week.
Some of these include, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Art Attack, Cheeky Chalk, Water Walkers, Fun Races, Giant Bubble Throwing and much more.
Events differ throughout the day so look out for what’s on in the festival programme (click here).
Rose Twinnings
Where? All over town
When? 2pm – 4pm
One of the great traditions of the festival is the Rose Twinning with the pubs and bars around the town.
This afternoon, Roses will make their way to the pubs they are twinned with for a chat with the locals, they may even get behind the bar and pull a few pints.
It’s back! The Tralee races has returned after a few years absence and is set to run 16 races over the two days.
It’s not just racing either, there will be plenty of entertainment on offer along with a few Roses in attendance too on Sunday.
Admission, €10/€5 and kids are free!
Fossetts Circus
Where? Dan Spring Road
When? 3pm – 6pm
Ireland’s most well known circus, Fossetts, is in town once again and is set to thrill audiences like it always does.
Donal Walsh #LIVELIFE Teen Gig 2014
Where? The Dome
When? 8pm – 11pm
A host of celebrities will descend upon the Dome in aid of Donal Walsh’s ‘Live Life’ Foundation. Some of the celebs in attendance will be Tom Vaughan Lawlor (Nidge) and Daithi O’Se.
Entertaining the crowd will be Youtube comedian James Donnelly along with Spin DJ’s Eoghain Fitz and Darren Regan.
Tickets €10.
Roses on Parade
Where? Boherbee, Castle Street, Denny Street
When? 8:30pm – 10pm
One of the main events of the week when the Roses are introduced formally to the townsfolk.
Along with the Roses there will be over 700 participants in a parade that contains, marching bands, Floats and costumed performers. A fireworks display will round off a great day.
KERRY County Museum is celebrating National Science Week and National Circus Festival all in one event on this Saturday at 2.30pm and 4pm.
