Enjoying the international art of circus in Newark

30 Jul 2019 12:37 PM

Thousands of jugglers from around the world are heading to Newark this August, as the town hosts the European Juggling Convention.

The European Juggling Convention (EJC) is one of the world’s biggest gatherings of jugglers, aerialists, hula-hoopers, unicyclists, whip crackers and knife throwers. This year the outdoor event celebrates its 42nd birthday and thanks to Arts Council funding has a programme to get families, local artists, businesses and community groups celebrating all things circus together.

GlowFX fire show. Image (c) Skins Elliot

As part of the celebrations, supported by a £15,000 Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant, Newark Town Council has created the Big Day Out. On 4 August, the circus and street theatre spectacle will bring the whole town to life with a day of circus arts workshops, aerial and acrobatic displays, music and theatre. Whether in the market place or the library, community centre or Newark Castle, juggling, fire shows, and parades will take over the town for the weekend.

The convention itself will be held at Newark Showground, where visiting international jugglers and circus artists will be welcomed to Newark.

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, yesterday said:

“This is an exciting time for Newark, as the town prepares to welcome creatives from around the world at the European Juggling Convention.

“We’re pleased that our funding from the National Lottery is bringing creative people together to celebrate their passion for performance and circus skills, and giving people from Newark and beyond the chance to try something different and learn something new.”

Nottingham BJC 2017. Image (c) Sam Preston

Ian Harrison, Markets Manager at Newark Town Council, yesterday said:

“The Big Day Out on 4 August will be one of the largest events seen in Newark town centre in living memory and will give the town the opportunity to display its considerable attributes to a significantly wider audience.

“The town is looking forward to welcoming people from around the world for them to share with the local community and experience a full day that will include a lively parade of 2,500, three fantastic acrobatic and fire shows and an array of local musical talent.”

Jane Randall, Lead Organiser of EJC 2019, yesterday said:

“Newark is a fantastic stage to host such an important event of the circus arts calendar and we hope that the people of Newark and the surrounding areas will enjoy and be inspired by the excitement and colour that this event will bring to their local community.”

Find out more about Big Day Out