In partnership with Durham City Council and other local development agencies, The Durham Streets Festival is an annual event that now draws thousands to the city of Durham every year.
The festival programme has focussed on international circle shows and small scale circus and street arts presentation. In style it is infrastructure light and impact heavy. The accessible nature of the programming transforms the city centre to an outdoor entertainment extravaganza, unmatched by events of similar scale or modest budget.
Involved from the outset year in 2007, Let’s Circus took over the role of programmer in 2009 and has since been involved in the development of the festival. The event has grown in reputation and size, and is now the second largest annual busking event in England and a highly regarded engagement on the international circuit.
Our programming role has allowed Let’s Circus to build strong relationships with the world’s top international street performers. These artists build many of our local and international programmes.
The festival is popular with local audiences and continues to be supported by local businesses, with evaluation showing a considerable impact on local businesses.
A key part of the programme to Let’s Circus has been the development of the local sector, not just by the addition of international professionals who bring unique skills and great performances, but through professional development initiatives such as the Fresh Talent programme in 2012 and 2013. This 5-day master class allowed young and emerging performers to receive week-long mentoring in act development and lead to public performances at the event. Several participants have gone on to join professional circus companies, or become street artists. Careful fostering of opportunities at the festival has lead to a diverse and engaged culture of volunteering amongst our public.
Let’s Circus continues as a strong partner in the festival’s delivery and development.
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Project Lifetime: 2007-2015 and ongoing
Location: Durham UK
