The Street Performance World Championships this weekend

I don’t know what not to say about the Street Performance World Championships.

I’m not only a fan - I’m an evangelist. Having volunteered last year and now this year working on both festivals, it’s easily the most brilliant festival I’m involved with, by sheer dint of the timing, the talent and the good feeling around it.

Photo taken by Pix.ie user Stano

What is the Street Performance World Championships?

It’s a huge festival dedicated to the very very best of Street Performance. What’s Street Performance? It’s magic, juggling, contortionists, acrobatics, breakdancing, comedy, interaction, feats of daring, feats of strength and a lot of laughter.

It’s games, toys, facepainting, applauding, balloon modelling, surprises, photographs, sun, grown-ups, children, food, friends and fun. It’s a 30ft long pig, a mini theatre, a laughter lounge, juggling workshops, a picnic area and more…

Where and when is it on?

Following a hugely successful first time at Fitzgerald Park, Cork, the SPWC is back in and around Merrion Square, Dublin this year, from tomorrow (Thursday 18 June) from 12 noon. There are two pitches tomorrow - you can download the timetable here - and then eight stages on Saturday and Sunday.

Dotted around the pitches as well - a pitch is where the performers will be performing - there’s plenty to keep people of all ages amused, including a big face painting section, a big clay modelling area (this was swamped in Cork), a whole section for Wooden Toys (very popular), a Juggling Workshop with the Emerald Circus, comedians from the Laughter Lounge - including Reuben, Jarlath and the most-comedians-who-can-fit-in-a-room for “Whose Lounge is it Anyway?” - and a huge picnic area for you to relax in.

What performers are appearing this year?

With names like Alakazam, Alexis Bérubé, Asher Tea, Bendy Em, Betty Brawn, Magic Brian, Mike Wood, Mr. Bunk, Mr. Toons, Nick Nickolas, Rob Williams, That Man, The Piano Juggler, USA Breakdancers and Vinyl Burns, you’ll forgive me if I don’t list exactly who each one is and what they do. You could check out the SPWC blog for more, or let the acts themselves tell (and show) you…

Dan Menendez, the Piano Juggler

Bendy Em - brilliant contortion act - take a look!

Rob Williams - he makes a sandwich with his feet - seriously…

Betty Brawn - the world’s strongest woman - who brings me for a spin…

That Man - one of the best almost silent acts I’ve ever seen

Mr Toons - what he does with a balloon is just amazing

There’s more videos with the performers and videos of the performers over on the SPWC blog.

Sign language performance area

There will be sign interpreters from the Centre of Deaf Studies at Pitch 1 all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Every show will be sign interpreted both days.

How much does it cost?

Attending is free, watching is free and enjoying is free. Remember though, these performers do this as their livelihood and have dedicated their lives to entertaining you, so you are invited to tip them what you think they’re worth. You’re guaranteed to have a great couple of days performances, so bring some money along!

Anything else?

Yes! Loads. Upload all your photos to the SPWC page on Pix.ie and you could win prizes. There’s some amazing photos up there already for you to have a look at. I’ve included some of them below.

Get there early! Especially at the weekend, you’ll need to stake your pitch early. Study the timetable, choose who you want to see and just head there. Bring your camera, spare batteries and memory cards. You’ll need them.

Have fun! It’s all about the fun. That’s what it’s all about.

Some of the great photos from Cork last weekend:

Image by Pix.ie member Wyer

Image by Pix.ie member dan-spwc

Image by Pix.ie member ChrisDennis

Thanks to all Pix.ie photographers for uploading and sharing. Check the rest out here and see the SPWC blog over on http://spwc.wordpress.com. I’ll see you there. I’ll be the one with the face paint. And yes, the blue nose.