Built in 1920 this Art Nouveau Grande Dame is the most beautiful and original of the last remaining Belgian Spiegeltents. She is a star in her own right and has spent her lifetime at the bequest of festivals and fairgrounds throughout Europe, playing host to the world’s greatest cabaret artists, musicians and circus burlesque performers, including Marlene Dietrich in the 1930’s. We are humbled and
privileged to be bringing her to the Northern Rivers for the second time ever to be part of our festival. Her intimate booths, ornate bar and bevelled mirrored columns hold a million secrets. We hope you fall in love with her as much as we have.
The Famous Spiegeltent will host cabaret, new works, live music, kids’ shows and more.
JINGI WALLA
Join us at Spaghetti Circus’ National Circus Festival 2024, our sixth festival celebrating circus. We pay tribute to the Minjungbal and Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation, the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We deeply appreciate the fantastic support of our community.
Our program features world-class artists performing in spectacular shows and cabarets that highlight circus, physical theatre and live music. You cannot miss Monumental 2.0, proudly presented by Spaghetti Circus. Audiences will be amazed with the skills shown by this team of local young stars as they support each other in astounding circus feats. With live, original music that celebrates trailblazers and unsung heroes, the show entertains and delights.
It is a total coup to have international circus sensations Jesse Scott and Lachlan McAuley, presenting You & I in Mullum and it is very exciting to be collaborating with Casus Circus again after so long.
We are thrilled to have YUCK Circus here with Naughties “a totally hot, totally bitchin’ brandnew show. Quit partying like it’s 1999- it’s time to celebrate all things Y2K.”
It is a delight to present Rooke with Small Wonders which brings with it a homecoming for Spaghetti graduates Billie Wilson-Coffey and Bridie Hooper joining the Circus Festival founder Tony Rooke, whose show Interloper was a festival favourite here in 2022. This year, they will be joined by local legend Joel Salom.
Fem-Punk Circus from Belfast, Snatch Circus is a must see for the die-hard circus fans and Collective Circus with Stir the Pot are an emerging company from Brisbane, tumbling through the festival with this stunning show.
At Spaghetti Circus, we believe that everyone deserves moments of joy. That’s why we’ve made our tickets incredibly affordable, with kid’s tickets at just $25, for 11 hours of non-stop entertainment. With over 100 acts for all ages across four stages, including in The Big Top and The Famous Spiegeltent, delectable food, plus exhilarating workshops to get involved yourself, this will undoubtedly be a weekend to cherish.
The National Circus Festival only happens every two years, so this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. We’re super excited to share it with you!
Alice Cadwell Festival Director
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
CASUS CIRCUS
YOU & I
Award winning company and fringe favourites Casus Circus are back with their most daring and intimate work
You & I. An empowering hour of skill and identity celebrating the loving relationship between two circus artists using high-level acrobatics, trapeze, magic and dance.
This unashamedly authentic journey reveals a fresh narrative where gay stories are not consumed by tragedy but filled with conviction and acceptance.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
SMALL WONDERS
Welcome to Small Wonders. A world built for circus and humanity, 45 minutes of gasps, laughs and dropped jaws that will transport you out of the here and now and stay with you, maybe, forever. Expect acrobatics, juggling, magic, a rogue dog and music you’ll love. Featuring Billie Wilson-Coffey, Bridie Hooper, Joel Salom, Tony Rooke and featuring Eric the Dog. Be there or be square.
YUCK CIRCUS
NAUGHTIES
Quit partying like it’s 1999 - it’s time to celebrate all things Y2K.
YUCK are here with a totally hot, totally bitchin’ BRAND-NEW SHOW.
It’s giving Backstreet Boys, Britney, and BIG throwback energy. Embrace a decade not to be forgotten- with furbies, flip phones, and AnYtHiNg TyPeD LiKe ThIs. Mix that with high-flying acrobatics and ripper comedy, this is not a show to miss!
Fire up the group chat, give a spin of the So Fresh CD, and get yourself to the show.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
ROOKE
SPAGHETTI CIRCUS
MONUMENTAL 2.0
The Spaghetti Circus Performance Troupe will present their hit show Monumental, re-imagined in-the-round for a Big Top audience.
With exciting new additions to this great ensemble, these local kids aged 11 – 19 years, will knock your socks off with their phenomenal skills and curiosity while flying in the air, holding each other up and diving through hoops. During this fun-filled, dynamic show, you’ll be tapping your toes to the live music from local legends Sue Simpson and Harry James Angus.
Under the guidance of guest directors from A Good Catch Circus, the show explores the missing moments in history, the underrecognised achievements of scientists, social advocates, and artists. Come and see the circus stars of tomorrow in their own backyard!
Directors: Spenser Inwood and Debra Batton from A Good Catch Circus; co-produced with the Brunswick Picture House.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Monumental is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
SNATCH CIRCUS
SNATCH AND GRAB
COMPLETELY MENTAL. Snatch and Grab is a radical circus car crash of dangerous juggling, drunken stunts and precariously balanced toasters.
A circus celebration of the fierce and wild. Snatch and Grab is a D.I.Y spectacle of absurd acrobatics, contorted comedy and household appliances. Built by Snatch Circus, a fem-punk circus from Belfast, made up of award-winning agents of chaos Angelique Reckless Ross and Mish Mash Thoburn.
Escalate showcases Australia’s best jugglers from Melbourne company Throw Catch Collective as they rip through an explosive hour of entertainment, pushing the boundaries of their art with a unique eye for musicality and timing. Effortlessly blending rhythm and movement with juggling, it’s stylish, playful and curious.
The cast of Escalate consists of jugglers Byron Hutton and Richard Sullivan, as well as composer and musician Samuel Kreusler. All three of these artists are held in high regard within their individual fields but together they produce performances that combine music and juggling in new ways that are exciting and joyous to watch.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
A GOOD CATCH CIRCUS
FOR THE LOVE OF THE WORLD
For the Love of the World re-wilds the Big Top into a green glorious garden. Local and national circus performers with big reputations and even bigger hearts join A Good Catch Circus (Casting Off) in a 50-minute show. Fabulous acts of hopeful wonder include tightwire, acrobatics, hula hoop and cradle, with an intergenerational ensemble from their 20s to 60s. A circus show for anyone who loves the world because the circus reminds us of what a human can do and doing something for the planet is up to us.
Please wear florals and / or bring a flower or pot plant (that you can take home with you).
SATURDAY
Step into the charming world of FRITZ, an eccentric magician’s rabbit. Witness the unfolding of a ‘one-rabbit show’ as FRITZ strives to recreate the magic tricks of their suddenly vanished magician. Magic, mayhem and many things gone wrong, can Fritz somehow save the day and the show? A nonstop, high-energy 50-minute roller coaster ride of the ridiculous. Slapstick, object puppetry and clowning, this is a heartwarming story from start to finish for the whole family.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
EMILIE BLOOM
FRITZ
FAMILY SHOW
PICTURE HOUSE
CHEEKY CABARET
The town had no idea what to expect when the Brunswick Picture House flung open its doors with an outrageous, genre-bending, adult variety show, the Cheeky Cabaret. Its reputation has since spread like wildfire with its often weird but always fabulous lineup, selling out every month and attracting international artists who would ordinarily play much bigger stages. We’re thrilled to be bringing this cracker of a show to the National Circus Festival! Think you’ve seen it all?! Think again… Limited capacity.
SUNDAY
BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE
LIL’ CHEEKY
From the team at Brunswick Picture House and Cheeky Cabaret - this family friendly circus bonanza is back in an all new, all-ages circus show that no one - young or old - should miss!
Lil’ Cheeky is what you get if you crossed familyfriendly cabaret with the circus and then threw in a bit of comedy and a good dose of hijinks and surprise. With Lil’ Cheeky, you can expect things you’ve never seen before from a crazy talented, hugely entertaining and eclectic crew of performers from around the corner and throughout Australia.
SATURDAY
18+ SHOW
BRUNSWICK
FAMILY SHOW
SPACE BETWEEN
Charming and bold, this circus rom-com is “...perfect for anyone who loves love.”
Space Between plays with theatrical conventions; one character can see the audience, and the other can’t. They tumble through space, perch precariously on each other and handstand atop their old, weathered couch - which is... alive? Filled with meaningful moments and many belly laughs, these naive characters use exciting circus skills to explore how relationships can both complicate and enrich our lives. Featuring Spaghetti Circus graduates Aleshanee Kelso and Tomas Correia.
SUNDAY
STIR THE POT
Enter a world of glitter, sass, strength and girlhood. Tumbling through real experiences of inequality and societal pressures, this group of fierce, passionate female circus performers stir up and tear apart the traditional, domestic views of what it means to be female. In a celebration of bows, sparkle and sheer muscle, these acrobats tackle everything from the restrictions and challenges to connection and strength of femininity. Opening act by the Super Mighties from Spaghetti Circus.
CIRCUS ARTS AUSTRALIA
CIRCUS ARTS YOUTH PERFORMANCE TROUPE
This young troupe has come together from a range of different backgrounds, with one common goal – a love of circus and performing. Watch as these young performers go on a journey of self-discovery, overcoming fears and finding independence. An abundance of circus acts, like acrobatics, aerials and trampolining promise unforgettable entertainment.
SUNDAY
NICHE THE VARIETY SUPERSTAR SHOW
Prepare to be mesmerised and have the time of your life while NICHE throws, balances, ducks and weaves with an array of unique props and that trademark style. Highlights include a rotating knife juggling platform, the famous five-ball triple stack rolabola and ah, did we mention she performs a WORLD FIRST face balancing SAW while skipping! Comedy, danger feats, silliness.......Not a show to miss!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
MARIO QUEEN OF THE CIRCUS
A NIGHT AT THE CIRCUS
A born showman and expert in the circus arts Mario comes brimming with unbridled passion. The Latin lothario’s hilarious show has wowed audiences all over the world. Mario’s unique mix of complex juggling tricks and universal sex appeal can only find release in the arena-rocking anthems of his favourite super-group, Queen.
A gift for the gab, Mario mixes character comedy, circus spectacular and raucous audience participation turning even the most intimate venues into a rocking arena spectacle or uniting the largest of venues into an arm-waving excuse for a crowd-surf.
NEISHA MURPHY
FAMILY SHOW
PLANET LAVA
DANDYMAN
DING DILEMMAS
Take a holiday for your imagination at the “Ding Hotel” with your host Dandyman, the overworked hotel manager. Laugh, love and gasp as he embarks on a fiery adventure with unexpected romance. This globally acclaimed artist of outstanding physical comedy and improvisational abilities presents a fabulous, family-friendly show, which combines silent comedy and engaging dialogue for an unforgettable experience that transcends language barriers.
SATURDAY
Everyone is an alien and the floor is lava! Space explorer Corie Hurry uses circus to solve problems and shows that children are the smartest kids in the universe.
Planet Lava is silly and interactive with highlevel handstand and circus skills put together to empower an audience of clever alien children.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
SCOTT HONE
SCOTT’S BMX TRICK BIKE SHOW
Telling the story of his first bike all the way to joining the circus, Hone demonstrates how perseverance, thinking creatively, and trying new things can lead you on a grand adventure through life.
With an ambitious finale; five audience members join Hone on stage to triumphantly ride the bike all at once.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FAMILY SHOW
MILK CRATE CIRCUS
FAMILY SHOW
FAMILY SHOW
HANA FIESTA
HANA FIESTA’S DISCO FIASCO
Hana Fiesta invites you to a dance party... but the lights and sound are broken! Using high energy DIY, circus skills, slapstick and utter silliness she fixes things - in time for you to join the interactive disco to celebrate. Come for the circus show, stay for the dance party!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
TREETOP ARTS
TREETOP ARTS CIRCUS CABARET
Treetop Arts Circus Troupe are bringing together skills in tumbling, group work, skipping, trampoline and unicycle to create a punchy cabaret jam-packed with acrobatics.
SATURDAY
THE PITTS FAMILY CIRCUS THE PITTS FAMILY CIRCUS
In this day and age The Pitts are a true rarity, an actual performing family acrobatic troupe, all the children have performed from birth (sometimes before) and continue to do so, all working together to keep the family going, even in these somewhat trying times.
Blurring the lines between truth and fiction The Pitts perform a variety of rare and spectacular circus acts, always presented with a keen sense of dark laconic lunacy.
SATURDAY
THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT
OPEN HOUSE
FALLING IN LOVE (AGAIN) WITH THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT
Since Marlene Dietrich sang “Falling in Love Again” on the Famous Spiegeltent stage in the 1930’s its magic mirrors have reflected thousands of images of artists, audiences and exotic gatherings. This is an opportunity to wander through and hear some of the tales from the very people who have run away with this particular Grande Old Dame. Peruse her beauty, learn her history, uncover the magic of how this Belgian mirror tent is put together, without a single nail, time and time again across the globe. You may discover some of the stories hidden in the darkest corners of her wooden booths and you will definitely fall in love (again) with The Famous Spiegeltent.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
SHIRE CHOIR
Sing your heart out with Shire Choir’s unique collective singing experience. Learn a classic pop/rock song in parts and then belt it out in a room full of wonderful humans. One song, one night only. YOU are Shire Choir.
SUNDAY
JAZZ FAMILY
Jazz Family is a roving jazz club, a movable feast of some of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting improvising musicians. A swampy, riverside juke joint led by trumpeter Harry James Angus and featuring many special guests. Jazz Family is heavy on the dance floor energy and a special treat for the National Circus Festival audience.
FRIDAY
TRAINING PROGRAM
Prior to the festival weekend, we host five days of intensive circus training across a vast array of specialities from Australia’s best trainers and performers. Connect, learn and collaborate with friends, discover new skills and create something fresh.
The training program registration includes nine night’s camping in the peaceful Mullumbimby Showground as well as a three-day festival pass. Enjoy nightly cabarets beneath the star-filled sky, festival shenanigans, art & industry talks, impromptu skill-sharing, belly laughs, worked bodies, and lasting memories with life-long friends.
Buy tickets now at nationalcircusfestival.com for the Training Program. Sunday 29 September - Thursday 3 October
FESTIVAL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday 4 - Sunday 6 October
Download our schedule on 24 September before the festival kicks off to see the show times of your favourite acts. Simply scan the codes below to take you to the latest information.
FESTIVAL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Map illustration by Mike Finch.
FESTIVAL CABARETS
OPENING NIGHT DELIGHTS
A taste of the outstanding skills and moments of wonder you will experience over the festival weekend. Grab a drink and gather your friends, the party is about to begin!
FRIDAY
THE CLASSICS
Back by popular demand, world Circus veterans tread the boards with a new line up of fellow quinquagenarians (folk over fifty that is).
Daring, hilarious, playful, and like good wine, this show proves that vintage is always better.
SATURDAY
HOSTED BY ASTRID ROT
THE KIDS’ COMEDY GALA
Join us under the Big Top for some of the best kids’ comedy in the circus business. The laughs are hosted by none other than Astrid Rot - Berlin’s princess of art rock and Europop and one half of the best band in the world, Die Roten Punkte
SATURDAY
HOSTED BY THE PITTS
THE VERY BIG AFTERNOON SHOW
A huge line-up of afternoon fun, with a dash of cheekiness. Just what you need to get your silly bones tickled and your laughing gear a work-out. Hosted by everyone’s favourite family circus The Pitts.
SATURDAY
HOSTED
BY
MARIANNA JOSLIN UNDER THE SPIEGELTENT
Spend your festival evening with some heartening belly laughs, dazzling skills and feats of wonder under the red velvet canopy of the eternally magical Famous Spiegeltent. This is a great family event featuring a line-up that will only appear once at the Festival.
HOSTED BY SIMONE & GG AS MUTTON ROCK N ROLL CABARET
A cabaret full of sweet treats and bangin’ beats. Swing on in for the toe-tappingest, rock-godliest, punk-rockiest cabaret in this whole funky town. Get down and get back up again. An absolute must for the full family and the rockstar in all of us.
SATURDAY
A SHOW HOSTED BY DANDYMAN CABARET CABARET
A show so good they named it twice! Cabaret Cabaret will bring high jinx, frivolity and a whole lotta laughs to your festival afternoon.
SUNDAY
THE RENEGADE CABARET
SUNDAY This is the show where anything can happen and probably will. Hold on to your seats, this one is explosive!
FEAST OF THE FEST CABARET
It’s almost time to say goodbye, so let’s go out with a bang. Feast on some festival highlights as this show packs a punch.
CABARET ARTISTS
CLARE BARTHOLOMEW “ASTRID ROT”
Clare is a performer, director and producer of new work in Australia and internationally, best known for being one half of the irreverent pop punk band, Otto & Astrid –Die Roten Punkte and one third of The Long Pigs by We3. Performing here without her brother, Astrid is Berlin’s Princess of art rock and Europop - join for some belly splitting laughs and comedy good times.
ANNA FISHER
With almost 20 years’ experience, Anna Fisher is one of Australia’s leading hula-hoopers. Fusing unique balancing skills with fast paced technical hooping to create a punchy, sassy contemporary style that pushes the boundaries of hula hoops as an art form.
Maddi and Moose combine boogie woogie and rock ‘n’ roll dancing, 50’s energy and big acrobatics to create an upbeat, family friendly act that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and have you clapping to the beat.
that most people think juggling ping-pong balls with his mouth and kicking bowls onto his head while
He trained at the National and ladder balancers. And
SIMON WRIGHT
MADDI & MOOSE
SIMPATICO ACROBATICS
Simpatico Acrobatics, featuring Amber Kaldor and Dominique Cravero, specialises in Duo Trapeze, Duo Lyra and Duo Acro/Hand-balance. Over the last 2 years they have trained and performed across Australia and internationally with Highwire Entertainment and Circus Rio as well as being resident trainers at the Flying Fruit Fly Circus and teaching at the 2022 & 2023 National Training Projects. Amber Kaldor was an Australian representative acrobatic gymnast in the 2014 World Championships.
JAKE SILVESTRO
Jake Silvestro is an Australian acrobat and artist who uses his physicality to deliver sensitive, curious, and exciting physical theatre. Jake has worked with Australia’s biggest names in circus (CIRCA, Circus OZ, Casus, Dislocate, Australian Dance Party, and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus). His stunning Cyr Wheel Act Liquid Gold has wowed audiences both young and old and shows his mastery of body and apparatus. A pure delight to watch.
DIANA ZAMUDIO DIAZ
Diana is a stilt-walking, roving performer and circus coach from Mexico, who has since made the Northern Rivers her home. With the world as her stage, performing has taken her to Spain, the USA and China, collaborating with prestigious companies such as La Fura dels Baus and DRAGÓN Espectáculos. Diana is a vibrant presence that energizes audiences and children alike. A physical performing artist, she specializes in Acro-Stilts, Fire, Dance and Theatre, with over 20 years of industry experience and is also a coach at Spaghetti Circus.
AROUND THE SITE
SPAGHETTI CIRCUS OLYMPICS
A Circus Festival tradition for EVERY BODY!
In this Olympic year, we are bringing back the original and the best, the Spaghetti Circus Olympics. A sports field like no other, where inter-generational collaboration takes pole position; where idiocy and skill are of equal standing; where you’re likely to see just as much brains as brawn, and sometimes neither. An arena where mixed ages and mixed abilities go for gold and where the line between spectator and competitor is blurred. There’ll be classic events like Longest Handstand, Hula Wars and Juggle Combat plus the epic test of strength and endurance that is the Standing Backsault Competition.
No matter if you’re small, or big, or fast, or precise, or brave, or ready or not…get involved - these Circus Olympics are for you!
SUNDAY
MOVE IT DANCE FITNESS FUN FLASH MOB
The ultimate inclusive movement experience! Heartthrob of the Northern Rivers, Philip Channells leads the charge with sizzling backup dancers, igniting the festival with never-seen-before choreography and infectious beats. An unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of the inner diva to uplift spirits and unite communities!
SUNDAY
SPIN SISTERS
HOT WHEELS
Spaghetti Circus alumni Chiara Anastasio and German Wheel specialist Finia Homeyer bring you their world premiere of Hot Wheels – a site-specific show that spins excitement into every turn! Together they create magic on the German wheel, defying gravity and leaving spectators in awe.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
FLYING TRAPEZE SHOW
FLY THROUGH THE AIR WITH THE GREATEST OF EASE
Gaze in wonder as these superstars of the skies perform breathtaking feats that defy gravity and sometimes logic, in a daily Flying Trapeze show spectacular.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
WORKSHOPS
HAVE A LAUGH
Come along and participate in these exciting circus workshops, including games, hula hoop, plate spinning, juggling, clown activities and tightwire. For those that want to have a go in a fun and inclusive environment - come along, learn some skills and have a laugh! Have fun working out on your own or with a friend and challenge your brain and body.
THE QUEEN BEE (WORKSHOP TENT)
All workshops EXCEPT Flying Trapeze included in entry ticket. Please wear shoes for uni-and bi-cycling workshops. See chalkboard on the day for times and sign up to play:
Circus Play | 45 mins
Melinda Swann has inspired kids for years and is passionate about passing on her love of circus — drop-in and join the fun! No sign-up needed.
A Taste of Circus - Acrobatics | 45
mins
Join with others to create a human pyramid and partner balances in this workshop led by Spaghetti Circus and NICA graduates, acrobats Aleshanee Kelso and Tomas Correia.
Hoops | 30 mins
Anna Fisher is one of Australia’s leading hulahoopers, come spin a hoop.
Tightwire | 45 mins
Angelique Ross from Snatch Circus - a fempunk circus from Belfast teaching tightwire on the low wire.
Unicycle | 45 mins
A captivating unicycle workshop featuring the renowned unicyclist, Simon Wright.
BMX Trick Riding | 45 mins
Scott Hone presents a lesson in pursuing passion, sheer perseverance and unimaginable possibilities with his BMX trick riding workshop. BYO helmet and bike.
Juggle Jam | 45 mins
BYO gear and join fellow jugglers in The Queen Bee.
Flying Trapeze Workshops
Your chance at a one-of-a-kind flying trapeze workshop in a 1.5 hour session on a full-sized flying trapeze rig. Participants learn manoeuvres with the goal of being caught mid-air by the catcher. All skill levels are catered for and all ages from 5+ are welcomed. Coached by experienced instructors from Circus Arts Australia and Fly Factory who are teaming up on to offer an amazing flying trapeze experience. Class numbers are limited, so book your spot in advance and get ready to experience the unforgettable thrill of the flying trapeze!
Please note: Admission prices are charged for flying trapeze workshops.
What to bring: water bottle, wear comfortable close-fitting clothing, with pants or leggings that cover the knees. Online bookings open two weeks before the festival.
Photographs from previous circus festivals. Share your photos: @nationalcircusfestival
KEY INFORMATION
The National Circus Festival & Training Program will take place on the Minjungbal and Arakwal lands of the Bundjalung Nation at the Mullumbimby Showground, Byron Shire on the NSW North Coast.
Accessibility
The National Circus Festival is continually aiming to improve access needs for all patrons and remove any barriers. We are happy to assist people of all abilities in planning for an enjoyable and safe experience. Please get in touch with us at info@nationalcircusfestival.com and visit nationalcircusfestival.com for full access options.
Venues
We are very excited to present The Famous Spiegeltent at the 2024 National Circus Festival. For those in the know, this is a big deal. For those that don’t, be sure to see it for yourself and enjoy the full spectacle.
We also have our very own Spaghetti Circus Big Top, as well as Aerial Rigs. There’s plenty of action and shows from Australia’s leading artists to be seen at the Ives Stage and The Studio. To top it off, we have roving and popup performances across the festival site.
Food & Drink
There will be a delicious array of food and drink available to purchase all festival long. Taste-test the diverse flavours of our food stalls or take a break in our on-site cafe. Our licensed Festival bar Plover and Pony will be serving alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic refreshments.
Free drinking water is available across the Festival site. NCF is a Waste Wise event, so remember to bring your water bottle!
Program schedules, acts and artists are all subject to change. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information contained in this program is accurate at the time of printing, we acknowledge and apologise in advance for any inconsistencies that may arise.
For up-to-date information see: nationalcircusfestival.com
TICKETS & PASSES
FRIDAY OPENING NIGHT TICKET
• Child: $25
• Adult: $50
• Family: $140
SATURDAY ALL-DAY TICKET
• Child: $25
• Adult: $70
• Family: $180
SUNDAY ALL-DAY TICKET
• Child: $25
• Adult: $70
• Family: $180
Ticketing Terms
• Child age is 2-17 years old.
• A family ticket includes: 2x adult & 2x child tickets.
• All tickets are subject to availability & booking fees.
• Tickets purchased at the gate on the day will incur a small fee.
• Tickets will be exchanged on entry for a wristband that is non-transferable.
• No dogs permitted.
• NCF is a licensed event. BYO alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Limited Capacity
It’s inevitable that some shows will be more popular than others, so please get to your ‘must-see’ shows early to avoid disappointment. Venues do fill up.
If a venue is full - don’t stress - there is always another great act on a stage nearby. The Big Top and Ives Stage have large capacities while The Famous Spiegeltent and The Studio have limited capacities and there is no admittance once a show has commenced.
WEEKEND PASS - SATURDAY & SUNDAY
• Child: $50
• Adult: $135
• Family: $350
3-DAY PASS - FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
• Child: $70
• Adult: $180
• Family: $450
3-DAY PASS WITH CAMPING
• Child: $110
• Adult: $220
• Family: $550
BUYTICKETS ONLINENOW TOAVOIDDISAPPOINTMENT SOLD OUT IN 2022
Arrival Times - Camping
Full Experience 3-day camping pass holders may arrive at Mullumbimby Showground between 2pm and 9pm on Friday 4 October 2024. Campers will need to depart the site by 12 noon on Monday 7 October 2024.
OUR TEAM
Board
Chair Joel Salom
Vice Chair Mark Swivel
Secretary Terri Graham
Treasurer Kate Leggett
Members Hamish McCormick, Peter Castaldi, Emily Berry
Life Member Leonie Mills OAM
Team
Festival Director Alice Cadwell
Training Program Director Petrina Hutchinson
Creative Producer & Program Manager Shoshannah Orenstein
Partnerships, Development & Marketing Manager Marisa Snow
Communications Manager Obi McDonald-Saint
Admin Queen Chiara Anastasio
Technical Manager Rich Morrod
Head of Rigging Beau Dudding
Volunteer Coordinator Natwah Petruszka
Site Manager Casey Douglas
Finance Manager Deryn Evans
Artist Liaison Marianna Joslin
Licensee Beverley Parker
Publicist Clare McGregor & Leigh McGrane
Documentation Hamish McCormick / Carnival Cinema
Sound Production Manager Rhys Edwards
Crew Coordinator Sienna Dillon
Creative Agency Headjam
Illustrator Brolga & Jacky Winter
AND an army of volunteers, crew and staff
Full credits at nationalcircusfestival.com
Images used in this program and on the festival website are the works of: Darcy Grant, Françoise Schneiders, Willow Darling, John McCormick, Carnival Cinema - Hamish McCormick, Julian Orbach, Jeff Dawson, Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, Mark Turner, Sarah Fiedler, Christine Fiedler, Billie Wilson-Coffey, Cecilia Martin, Jessica Connell as well as individual artists and companies.
Printed program designed by Obi McDonald-Saint, inspired by Headjam.
SPAGHETTI CIRCUS
CREATIVE KIDS STRONG COMMUNITIES
The little circus that could...
Spaghetti Circus is a world-leading regional youth circus and performing arts company established over 30 years ago as a circus school for disadvantaged kids by Leonie Mills OAM. We run a thriving circus school with more than 200 kids and adults attending classes every week, as well as an outreach program bringing the joy of circus to local schools and the community. Spaghetti’s whole-school Annual Show and biennial major youth-led circus work form the heart of our artistic program.
Spaghetti Circus produces the National Circus Festival and Training Program every two years at our home at the Mullumbimby Showground. In 2024 we are hosting the National Circus Festival for the sixth time; this world-class program of leading circus work from around Australia is a huge feat for a tiny company and we’re so proud of what we achieve.
Spaghetti’s history is rich with highlights including a tour to Europe, key performances at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Sydney Festival and the Sydney Opera House. Our alumni are now represented in major circus companies nationally and internationally. Their careers have been supported by the creativity and confidence fostered by the Spaghetti Circus culture.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the financial support of donors is essential for Spaghetti Circus to continue to run vital programs that empower young regional people. All donations greater than $2 are tax deductible and graciously received. To donate go to www.spaghetticircus.com.
PARTNERS
FUNDING PARTNERS
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Festivals Australia
MEDIA PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
WITH THANKS
Abby Bliss, Adelaide and Lachlan Campbell, Anna Coelho, Anton Lipgens, Anthony Mallam, Belinda Hultgren, Bev Parker, Brett Haylock, Brunswick Valley Pony Club, Byron Shire Council, Byron Writers Festival, Chris Chen, Chelsea McGuffin, Circus Arts, Clare McGregor, David Bates, David Brown, Debra Batton, Delta Kay, Devine Quality Meats, Glenn Wright, Hon. Benjamin Franklin MLC, Hon. John Graham, MLC, Hon. Justine Elliot MP, Jane Fuller, Jay O’Harae, Jeff Dawson, Josh Bond, Keith & Margaret, Kiera Mills, Kerry Valensteen, Leigh McGrane, Leonie Mills OAM, Linda Mickleborough, Lorne Rawlings, Mark Norris and Associates, Mark Ward, Mathew Kehoe, Mike Finch, Mullum Print Works, Mullumbimby Agricultural Show Society, Mullumbimby Engineering, Mullumbimby Hire, Mullumbimby Pony Club, Mullumbimby Showground Land Manager Board, Nino Haggith, Noel Condon, North Byron Farmers Market, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Paul Goodwin, Peter Robbins, Peter Wood, Rikkara McGuinness, Sam Dwyer, Shien Chee, Simone Evans, Simone O’Brien, Spaghetti Circus Youth Ambassadors, Sue Hird, Susan Marsh, Syd Geary, Tamara Smith MP, Tim Coldwell, Tony Rooke, Tweed Byron Police, Vinicinus Rosa, students, families, our elders and community,
