Performers from across the globe will take to the streets this weekend for what is set to be the best Festival of Fools yet.
From traditional circus and optical illusions to acrobatics and comedy, the festival runs from Friday May 3 to Monday May 6.
The festival showcases a variety of fantastic homegrown artists as well as performers from countries around the world, including America, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, England, Spain, Argentina and Australia to bring a truly international flavour.
Highlights include American precision acrobats The Red Trouser Show whose astonishing display of non-stop action and skill laced with comedy and fire concludes with a breathtaking finale performed high in the air.
Italian Master Jester Ugo Sanchez Jnr promises to draw the audience into his bizarre imagination, and Spanish Cyr Wheel artist Mr Dyvinetz comes to life inside the wheel with a performance which will surprise and enchant with its display of beauty, balance and strength.
Here’s everything you need to know:
1. It’s completely free
If you are looking for something fun to do in the city this weekend that won’t break the bank, the Festival of Fools is your answer. All the shows are completely free to attend and you don’t need tickets. Just turn up and see the exciting street performers. However, the festival is a register charity and if you would like to make a donation click here: https://2019.foolsfestival.com/make-a-donation/
2. It’s based all over the city
You won’t need to go out of your way to catch one of the shows at the festival as it’s conveniently based in multiple locations around the city centre. The main places you can catch the festival are; St Anne’s Square, Cornmarket, Cotton Court, Writers Square and Castle Place. You can check here for a schedule of which acts will be performing at which location and at what time: https://2019.foolsfestival.com/schedule/
3. The acts are from all over the world
The performers range from those from Germany and Spain to the USA and even South Korea. Most of them are world renowned experts in their field that have been had picked as the best of the best to entertain you. So why miss the chance to see them all (or at least some) perform.
4. There’s something for everyone
The festival really is a variety show of circus with a huge range of different acts performing. If you are looking for classic family friendly magic check out Able Mable or The Charming Jay. Or FOR A more adrenaline packed and dangerous routine check out Logy on Fire or Angelique Reckless Ross. You can check out the acts in advance and see which shows take your fancy here: https://2019.foolsfestival.com/shows/all-acts/
5. There’s even a rainy day plan
In the unfortunate case that the sun is not shining don’t worry the show will go on. Back up locations include Ulster University and Belfast Community Circus. Updates in this eventuality will be posted on Facebook and Twitter.
6. Kids Eat Free
Selected restaurants across the city such as Sq Bar and Grill and the Cloth Ear are offering ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotions this weekend for the festival. So if you are out watching some of the acts you can also get a bite to eat.
For full details on the Festival of Fools check out the programme on the website www.foolsfestival.com
This year the festival is once again supported by Arts Council for Northern Ireland; Belfast City Council; Department for Communities; Destination CQ; Tesco; Tourism Northern Ireland; Third Source; Excalibur Press; Ramada Encore Hotel.