By Alan Healy
A popular Derry festival celebrated a major milestone at the weekend with a huge showcase event in the St Columb’s Park.
The Carnival of Colours brought all the fun of the fair to the Waterside park over two days on Saturday and Sunday where a host of performers delighted audiences both young and old.
Produced by In Your Space and supported by Arts Council National Lottery funds, the event featured acts from France, Spain, New Zealand and across the island of Ireland, who created an eclectic showcase of circus, musical and cabaret acts.
Carnival of Colours is a showcase and celebration of In Your Space Circus’s year-round work with children and young people from communities across the northwest, and the Street Theatre and performance work they deliver across Northern Ireland.
Highlights included performances from Gentleman Juggler Martin Bigpig, the incredible Strong Lady Betty Brawn, and The Barren Carrousel, with their stunning aerial escapades. Young circus stars from In Your Space Circus School and Belfast Circus School also took to the stage to wow audiences with their skills.
Commenting, Cath McBride, Company and Festival Manager said that event prided itself not only on bringing the best international talent to the northwest, but also providing a platform for local talent to shine.
“Carnival of Colours has become a key event in the City’s calendar and something our team are very proud and passionate to produce,” she said.
“The Festival provides a superb platform for showcasing local talent alongside international artists.
“We hope we have produced an event that creates an atmosphere of happiness, fun and total enjoyment and provides something for everyone, from the littlest to the biggest circus, arts and music fan.”
Meanwhile, Gavin O’Connor, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland congratulated the organisers of the festival on reaching the milestone.
“Congratulations to In Your Space for creating a truly memorable event to mark the tenth year of Carnival of Colours,” he said.
“The Arts Council is pleased to have once again supported the event through our National Lottery funds.
“This creative and ambitious festival has fun at its very heart, drawing in crowds from across the city and beyond for a fantastic weekend of entertainment.”
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