Locally owned and independent
November 16, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 21
Spaghetti Circus: Bridging Generations with the Power of Circus
Spaghetti Circus performers chat with Marion Parsons after their performance at Feros Village Bangalow. Photo Elaine Harriott.
Spaghetti Circus and Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon at Feros Village Bangalow for Spaghetti Circus’ Intergenerational Tour. Photo Elaine Harriott.
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as the Intergenerational Tour, has been a hallmark of Spaghetti Circus since 2011. The organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for young individuals to engage with all members of the community, regardless of age, ability, or economic circumstances. Marisa Snow, Spaghetti Circus Development and Partnerships Manager, shared her
insights, saying, “Our Intergenerational Tour takes joy into our community and uses circus as a vehicle to help people reconnect. This is particularly special for many elderly members of our community who may be facing social isolation.” The tour is made possible through funding from the Byron Shire Council’s Community Initiatives Program,
which aims to address specific community needs and promote a sense of togetherness. Byron Shire Council Mayor, Michael Lyon, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “The aim of the Community Initiatives Program is to provide seed funding for projects run by not-for-profit community organizations and groups
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go out much.” Residents in the aged care facilities were equally enchanted. Patricia Brown, a resident of Coolamon Villa, described the performance, saying, “They were all fantastic, better than anything I’ve ever seen. When they grow up, they’ll be up there in the middle of everything, becoming whatever, they might want to be.” Spaghetti Circus once again demonstrated the remarkable ability of circus arts to bring joy and build connections across generations. For more information or to support Spaghetti Circus programs, please visit spaghetticircus.com.
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paghetti Circus embarked on a heart-warming journey as part of their outreach program, where their Junior Performance Troupe dazzled audiences in five local pre-schools and four aged care facilities across the Byron Shire. Their mission: to foster connections and spread joy across generations. This initiative, known
that will create positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes. Spaghetti Circus was one of 11 projects chosen, as they represent the unique, creative, and community spirit that characterizes our shire.” During this week-long tour, Spaghetti’s ‘Super Mighty’ troupe, consisting of performers aged 8 to 11, left an indelible mark on their audiences. Toto, an 8-year-old member of the troupe, expressed, “I really enjoyed going to the pre-schools and seeing how other kids learn to do circus balances.” Maeve, aged 11, added, “I loved going to the old people’s homes and making them happy as they don’t get to
