Clowns to take to the streets of Downpatrick for festival

Clowns to take to the streets of Downpatrick for festival

9 September 2015

THE Clowns International Festival is holding its first ever Irish festival in Downpatrick.

Clown shows, pantomimes, jugglers, magicians, puppeteers, acrobats, bubble artists, stilt walkers, balloon sculptors and face painters will all feature, with street shows in St Patricks Square, Scotch Street and English Street.

With the support of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, the packed line-up of free entertainment for all the family runs from September 24 to 27.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, September 24 with a ‘Clowning In Show’ at St Patrick’s Square.

On the Friday from 3pm there is with street entertainment in Downpatrick followed by a gala show in Down Arts Centre at 7pm.

On the Saturday from 12pm there will be street entertainment in the town centre, mini circus rings in Scotch Street and English Street and a series of family shows in St Patrick’s Square.

During Sunday’s finale there will be a parade with the clowns from 1pm, assembling in Scotch Street. Also, dine with the clowns at St Patrick’s Square the the Grove area. Bring a picnic and enjoy the wandering entertainment and pop-up performances.

A family street show is scheduled for English Street at 3pm, followed by a Clowning Out Show in St St Patrick’s Square at 4pm. 

There are also a number of clown-themed performances running at the same time in Down Arts Centre.

On Thursday at 8pm, Clown Noir presents Love, Labour Lost at Down Arts Centre at 8pm.

Written By Simon Thompson, Love, Labour, Lost is a story about a young circus performer Joe Bloodworth, who embarks on a journey to learn all he can about becoming a clown. 

He leaves his Manchester home for the first time and heads to France, in order to study for three years. Once he arrives in this land of cheese, wine and red windmills he makes a solemn promise to his mother to avoid all temptations — but as he’s a clown it soon spirals out of control.

The recommended age for this one is over 15 but there’s a family friendly Gala Show at 7pm on the Friday evening.

For details of the Down Arts Centre performances (Clown Noir £12/£10 and Gala Show, £6/£20 family ticket) contact the centre on 028 4461 0747.