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Event: -
Roll up, roll up for three days of non-stop fun
Overview
It's no wonder the Margaret River area is such a popular holiday spot. There's the wineries, the surf, the chocolate factory, the circus…the circus? Yes! Nearby Karridale has been home to the Lunar Circus for several years. And fortunately for those lucky enough to be in the area on Australia Day weekend, they are once again hosting the 2013 Western Australian Circus Festival.
image courtesy of Lunar Circus
Lunar Circus began in 1995 and spent the first 6 years of its existence touring all over Australia, bringing circus acts and musicians to many isolated corners of the country. In 2002 they spent a year touring Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia before returning to work on their base 30 kilometres south of Margaret River. Once established, in 2004 they founded the Lunar Circus School and in 2007 held the first ever Western Australian Circus Festival.
The Festival
The first festival in 2007 was a huge success and it has continued to grow in size and popularity. Now held over three days every January and running from noon till midnight, it includes much more than circus acts as it showcases performers from around the world. There are Big Top shows, outdoor shows, family shows, acrobats, bands , comedy, late-night adult cabaret, markets and food stalls, all contributing to non-stop fun.
2013 Highlights From Spain, the acclaimed acrobats Estropicio use double trapeze, double balance, Chinese pole, acrobatics and dance in unique and original pieces that explore different personalities and journeys with humour and insight.
The Matchbox Big Band is on the way from Vienna. They travel the world to present their original music and comedy at "…inaugurations…wakes, business meetings, court hearings…rocket launchings, knighthoods…" guaranteeing an entertaining evening.
In between, watch the high dive, dance, attend a workshop or try the flying trapeze. And of course it wouldn't be a circus festival without a performance by the hosts, so don't miss the Lunar Circus in the Big Top.
This is just a small sample of what will be on offer. Visit the website for regular updates.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now. There are a variety of ticket options, with the three-day weekend ticket including free camping. Can't afford a ticket? Contact the organisers about volunteering in exchange for a weekend pass.
Circus School & Festival Training
If you're inspired by the thoughts of the circus and want learn how to ride a unicycle, stilt-walk, juggle or other skills than the Lunar Circus Summer School is for you.
photo courtesy of Lunar Circus
Held every January, the school caters to all ages. Why not bring the whole family for a camping trip with a twist? Start planning now for 2014 or sign up for this year's Festival Training, a sort of circus "boot camp" for the more experienced or ambitious.
Circus in the City
If you can't make it to this year's festival, don't despair as the Lunar Circus will be in Perth as part of the Fringe World Festival
photo courtesy of Lunar Circus
Catch a show at the Big Top or the Pink Flamingo for a sample of the Festival action, shorter but every bit as entertaining. And don't forget to mark your diary for next year!