The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Donal Counihan handed over a sponsorship cheque to the clowns and characters of Circus Festival Ireland this week as the city prepared for its stint as the Capital of Circus.

The festival, which takes place from Friday, February 15 until Sunday, February 17, is being hosted by UCC, who have provided their state-of-the-art Mardyke Arena for a weekend of workshops and games.

Founded in May 2007, Circus Festival Ireland is the first of its kind and has been set up to promote, develop, strengthen, and professionalize contemporary circus in Ireland. The aim to bring together seasoned performers, emerging artists, and people interested in exploring the adventure of circus in this three day festival, giving the public the best of contemporary circus in Ireland.

Some of Europe's most accomplished circus tutors and performers are joining in, and on Saturday, February 16 when 'the circus comes to town', they will be showing off their talents in two spectacular city centre shows in Cork's Firkin Crane.

The festival offers the people of Cork the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including juggling, acrobatics, clowning, globe walking, uni-cycling, stilt walking and comedy improv, with the workshops and games are open to all from beginners to advanced.

Speaking in advance of the launch, Lord Mayor Cllr Donal Counihan emphasised the Council's support for the festival. "As a festival city we embrace both established and young festivals in Cork. We believe that Circus Festival Ireland will make a significant contribution to the cultural life of the city and hope the citizens of Cork come along and enjoy all that is on offer. Thanks to significant support from the Cork City Council Arts Office, the people of Cork can look forward to some of the brightest stars of contemporary circus coming to town during this three day interactive event."

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