From red and white big tops to the first horse shows and dreams of running away and joining the circus, the travelling performance art has brought joy and awe to audiences worldwide. Bringing the loud sounds, big acts and good times to the capital, the Canberra Circus Festival returns to Chifley Community Oval and Warehouse Circus on 18-23 April.

Organised by Warehouse Circus, the festival is an offering of entertainment and development opportunity. A youth training camp helps pre-professional emerging performers refine their skills with professional artists and coaches. Locals are invited to enjoy performances from a huge range of contemporary Australian circus shows, with many coming to town for the festival.

“We’ve got stuff that’s like really fun and silly and over the top and, in some, quite thoughtful and meaningful work. I’m really excited to say that we’ve got some international guests, we’ve got some clown and some magic and some sideshow as well,” says Tom Davis, artistic director of Warehouse Circus.

The festival culminates with the free Market Day event on Saturday 22 April, where pieces developed by students throughout the week will be presented. Street performers will be roaming the Chifley Community Oval grounds, while markets and information stalls are also scattered around. The big top will be bursting with life with circus performances and there will also be an opportunity for attendees to show off their talents.

Across the other days of the festival, locals are invited to book tickets to one of the shows hosted each day. Returning to the festival is one of last year’s audience favourites, Pablo Latona with The Ridiculous Show. The fun-smith says it will be similar to his previous show, with some new tricks thrown in, which he expects will leave audiences pleasantly surprised. It’s an accumulation of 15 years of making audiences laugh.

“If you like watching YouTube videos of cats doing stupid things or making you smile then you’ll enjoy my show. It’s a big, curated, interactive way of getting a similar kind of experience of joy and delight and play,” says Mr Latona.

Full story online.

Be amazed at Canberra Circus Festival, Chifley Community Oval and Warehouse Circus, 18-23 April; canberracircusfestival.com.au