A packed programme of thrilling shows featuring acrobatics, dance, comedy and street art will be heading to Stockton Town Centre in the coming days ready for SIRF15.
With so many highlights on offer residents and visitors are encouraged to clear their diary and plan their visits for the free four-day festival which takes place between Thursday 30 July and Sunday 2 August.
Crowds will be enticed to join Spanish performer Joan Català in his show, Pelat, combining dance, theatre and circus which is heading to the High Street onFriday 31 July, Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August. The performer will use a large hand-crafted wooden pole to entertain the audience, enticing them to take part. Using circus skills and modern dance Joan will create an interactive spectacle which is not to be missed.
From 11am to 6pm throughout the four days people can see the festival emerge on a tiny scale as Tiny Live Art recreates SIRF performances in miniature. Bootworks Artistic Director, Robert Daniels presents a fantastic installation project within Stockton’s Rediscover Shop, recreating and re-staging various performance works on a miniature scale. Tiny Live Art is part durational live art work in its own right, part documentation and part re-enactment.
Music will fill the High Street on Friday 31 July at 3.45pm and 8.30pm as Orkestra Del Sol brings its brass-driven dance music, comic characters and crowd interaction in its new show for all the family.
Once again SIRF is also partner to Gone in 20 Minutes, a national showcase for emerging UK artists and companies creating outdoor work for the first time. Six companies will be competing for two prizes, one awarded by a panel of judges and the other voted for by the audience. Watch out for voting information at www.sirf.co.uk
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton on Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “These are just a few of the highlights of this year’s SIRF which celebrates the redevelopment of Stockton Town Centre with spectacular street theatre, dance and music productions from all around the world.
“With more than 100 incredible shows the Town Centre will be packed with free things to see and do. There’s only days left until SIRF15 starts so make sure you plan your weekend and make the most of the fantastic street art and outdoor theatre on your doorstep.”
To see the latest news and full festival programme, visit the SIRF website at www.sirf.co.uk