The circus is coming to town this weekend promising three days of spectacular entertainment, with everything from juggling and ball spinning workshops to a family friendly open mic night and a gala showcasing the talents of professional performers.
It’s only the second time in the New Zealand Juggling & Circus Festival’s 33-year history the annual event has come to Raglan, local co-ordinator and juggler Irene Goed told the Chronicle.
The first was nearly 20 years ago at what was then called Kopua Holiday Park – now Papahua – down at the domain.
This time around performers from throughout the country and overseas will register at the town hall on Friday morning to be part of the workshops, shows, games and competitions staged there throughout the weekend.
The Freedom2Fly studio 400m further up Bow St will also be a base for some activities like the silks workshops being run by Irene’s daughter Artemis.
On Friday evening there are set to be impromptu performances at Orca Eatery & Bar during the event’s open stage or open mic night, Irene explains, only it’ll be circus rather than music acts taking the stage. “Anything can happen,” she laughs, from high-level silly tricks to beginners’ juggling acts.
On Saturday night a cash-at-the door gala show in the town hall is planned, featuring some world class performers alongside home-grown talent including ‘Basketball Jones’ – a one-man comedy/juggling act – hula-hooper Lisa Lu, juggler ‘Matta Matt’ and unicyclist Tony Melton.
“It will be a lot of fun,” says Irene, who, with husband Damian Gordon, has performed and toured with their own Waitetuna-based ‘Circus Aotearoa’ over the years.
Irene now teaches circus skills to school students from her home studio in Waitetuna.
Also an aerialist, Irene says she’s missed only one of these national festivals since 2000, believing it’s a great way of meeting up with the juggling and circus fraternity throughout New Zealand. “We play and learn together,” she says. “And try to grow the circus community.”
Festival organisers traditionally throw the annual event open to local, national, and international performers – from complete beginners through to professionals. “Each year hundreds of participants come together from all over the world to have a great time…
“There is something for everyone!”
New Zealand Juggling & Circus Festival comes to Raglan Town Hall March 27-29, from 10am to 5pm daily. Full festival and day passes available.
Saturday night’s gala show in the Town Hall starts at 7.30pm, $15 at the door.
