Galway Community Circus is bringing Mayhem to the streets of Galway with the return of their action packed Mayhem Youth Circus Festival.
The second presentation of Mayhem Festival will take place over the course of a week from May 22 – 30.
Young people anxious to get out of the house, and parents who want their kids to burn off some energy, will no doubt be glad to hear that Mayhem promises to hold a range of in-person events as well as online ones.
Young people taking part will get to enjoy a wide range of performances, games, talks, and workshops, practicing skills such as tight-rope walking, acrobatics, and juggling.
All events are free and will be held both outside in Shantalla Park, Galway and online via Zoom and their Facebook page. All COVID-19 public health guidelines will be followed, providing a safe environment for all participants.
“We are so excited to host our Mayhem Youth Circus Festival for a second year,” said Ulla Hokkanen, Executive Creative Director at Galway Community Circus.
“We have an exciting week of hybrid programming planned including outdoor funambulism workshops, circus workshops and online events.”
“Mayhem has something for everyone and we’re excited to bring back some fun, friendship and connection to our community.”
Events include Healthy Ireland Funambulism Workshops, which feature the art of tightwire walking with a balancing pole. It’s a fun way to practise your balance, mindfulness and self-awareness. Suitable for all body types, ages and fitness levels.
‘Outdoor Workshops: Park Up Your Circus’ will feature a mix of taster workshops for all circus lovers consisting of introductory activities where participants will play fun games and learn tips to improve their solo acrobatics, juggling and other skills while making new friends.
Join Galway Community Circus for talks on Zoom including ‘Our Love for The Streets’, with a performance of ‘New Stool – Old Fool’ by Grant Goldie commissioned by the National Circus Festival of Ireland.
This is followed up by tea and chats with singer-songwriter Nicole Blue from the Galway Buskers Community about what street performance and busking means to Galway.
‘Running Away with the Circus’, a panel discussion with current and former volunteers on what European volunteering experience can give to volunteers, circus schools and their communities.
Participants can find out more about the European Solidarity Corps programme and how they can take part in it.
‘Youth Circus in Ireland – What Does It Mean to Us and Why Do We Do It?’ will be a
roundtable talk with young people from Belfast, Cloughjordan and Galway.
They will share all things circus including a discussion on how Irish youth circuses are adjusting to life during the pandemic, the world record for toilet paper juggling and what is next for Irish youth circus.
There will also be a special edition Mayhem Scratch Night featuring performances from youth circus artists and professional guest artists from around the country plus a fun game night following the virtual show.
All events are offered entirely free of charge, thanks to support from funding partners The Arts Council, Erasmus+ and Galway City Council, The Community Foundation for Ireland and the RTE Comic Relief Fund. For more information and booking visit GalwayCommunityCircus.com
