A BREATHTAKING high wire act brought SIRF’s 30th birthday programme to an exhilarating close last night.
Crowds gathered at Stockton’s Trinity Green to watch ‘Fire Wire Spectacle’ by British show makers Cirque Bijou.
And they were treated to a gravity-defying performance as four circus artists thrilled onlookers as they balanced on two high wires.
A record making 100ft long wire was then set on fire and walked by Jade Kindar-Martin – the only artist in the world performing the daredevil feat.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “We could not have asked for a better show to sign-off this most special of SIRFs.
“It’s been an incredible programme, befitting of the fact that it’s SIRF’s 30th birthday, and some of the shows we’ve been treated to will be remembered for many years to come.
“There’s been a huge buzz about town and I’d like to thank the thousands of people who have supported the festival by coming along and enjoying the experience.”
She added: “I’d also like to thank our group of young ‘SIRF Correspondents’, who have set social media aglow with their photographs, videos and reports throughout the festival.”
SIRF is supported by Arts Council England.