A week of clowning, community and craic!
Mark your calendars, as Pitch’d Circus and Street Arts Festival is back for another year full of colour and entertainment!
Taking place from 22-29 August, this year’s festival theme is community which is the beating heart of everything they do at Circus Factory.
The team said: “And it’s that community spirit that fuels the community fire show, marking the beginning of this year’s festival. Following the theme, this year, we’re reflecting on the people, places, and performances that shaped our story with a free photo exhibition.
“Featuring beautiful images from longtime friend of the space, David Hegarty, the exhibit journeys through past productions of all sizes, contrasted with photos of day-to-day activities from Ballincollig Camera Club, and community outreach projects. It’s a visual tribute to the spaces where creativity grows and inclusivity thrives.”
On Saturday, bring a blanket, a few snacks, and the family to the Circus Picnic, a free, family-friendly event. Enjoy a feast of playful performance at Elizabeth Fort, where warring beach buffoons and wobbly waiters will serve up slapstick delights. Aerialists twist and fly with the birds, while down on the ground, roaming characters and Disco Dragons bring movement and magic to all ages. Cork’s 96FM will also be on hand with music providing a soundtrack for you to boogie along to.
Don't miss the showstopping Pitch’d Festival Gala on Sunday 24 August, a glittering night of top circus talent, dazzling aerial feats, and jaw-dropping performances that will have you laughing, gasping, and cheering. Featuring a mix of national artists and local favourites, this is circus at its most fantastic.
Curious to try circus yourself? Join us at Circus Club on 25 and 26 August for two days of open training and taster workshops at Circus Factory Cork. It’s like a mini circus convention, offering a chance to tumble, spin, juggle, or fly with guidance from our coaches. Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to the fold, this is a great way to dip your toes, or hands, into the world of circus arts ahead of the new term in September.
On Wednesday 27 August, the team swap their tracksuits and leggings for something a little nicer as they head to The Everyman for the international dance-circus collective Kundle Cru.
The team explained: “We’re so lucky to host the preview and first public performance of their new show ‘Birds’. Birds is a powerful response to a world in crisis, exploring themes of uncertainty, urgency, and resilience. Blending high-energy hip-hop, contemporary dance, and circus with a hypnotic soundtrack, the performance asks: how can we change our course for the better? Following their acclaimed show Blame Game at Pitch’d 2022, Birds marks the company’s return to the stage with their signature mix of innovation, physicality, and emotionally engaging performance.”
On Thursday 28 August, bring your curiosity as industry professionals are invited to lead conversations around The Creative Method, Tech to Enhance Your Show, Motherhood and Creativity. Artists, arts workers, students, and curious minds are all welcome to join a full day of panels and networking focused on the deeper layers of creative life and practice.
Also on Thursday, Pitch’d shines a spotlight on the next wave of circus artists. The Emerging Artists Stage presents raw, fresh, and fearless performances from artists finding their voice.
The festival will close with a scratch night at Circus Factory on 29 August, but those details are being kept under wraps for now. If you don’t want to miss out on grabbing a ticket, keep an eye on the website for details. Pitch’d Circus and Street Arts Festival is in partnership with the Cork Independent and Cork’s 96FM and C103fm.