An outdoor arts extravaganza is to provide plenty of family fun this summer at Whitby Park in Ellesmere Port.
Theatre Porto proudly presents the return of Topsy Turvy 2024, which runs from August 7-11.
This year's event promises an exciting and diverse mix of family-friendly performances, workshops, and events, plus the opening of a collaborative new art installation 'You, Me and Everything' – featuring works by local schoolchildren and family portraits taken by community artist Jake Ryan.
The 'You, Me and Everything' exhibition explores the importance of interpersonal connections in children's lives, featuring artwork from nine local primary schools and portraits of nearly 70 local families.
Topsy Turvy 2024 is a celebration of creativity and community.
Event highlights:
- Free daily activities from 11am in and around Theatre Porto, including the outdoor amphitheatre and the green spaces of Whitby Park
- Circus acts, local bands, and choirs
- Dance workshops, theatre shows, and family jams
- Film screenings and creative making spaces
- Special launch event for "You, Me and Everything"
- Inspiring cafe open 11am-7pm every day
Nina Hajiyianni, artistic director of Theatre Porto, said: "Topsy Turvy 2024 is a celebration of creativity and community, inspired by children and young people.
"We're excited to welcome local families and visitors to Whitby Park in Ellesmere Port for this inclusive, family-friendly outdoor programme."
Daily highlights are:
Wednesday, August 7 – Opening Day
- Launch of the "You, Me and Everything" art exhibition
- RAWD open session offering theatre and dance workshops
- VIP launch event in the evening
- Family Film Club featuring an Encanto sing-along screening
James Lyons' Beatboxing Show.
Thursday, August 8 – SEND Focus Day
- SEND picnic and relaxed performance of "Birdie" by Mind The Gap
- "Impossible Machines" arts and crafts workshop
- Regular performance of Birdie, exploring climate change through dance and music
"Best in Show" interactive dog show by the Egg People.
Friday, August 9 – Shakespeare and Hobby Horses
- "The Delights" by Turned On Its Head, an interactive outdoor performance
- Hobby Horse making workshop and show jumping competition
- The Rubbish Shakespeare Company presenting "Make Your Own Myth" and "Romeo & Juliet"
Proud Marys LGBTQ choir.
Saturday, August 10 – Music and Dance Extravaganza
- All-day walkabout performances throughout Whitby Park
- Performances by Proud Marys LGBTQ choir
- James Lyons' Beatboxing Show
- "Refuge Island" dance performance by Whispered Tales
- "Pirate Princess" show by Gemma Bond
- Live music showcase featuring local bands
- DJ set by Ellesmere Port Collective
Circus workshop and "Lucky Pigeons" show by Brainfools.
Sunday, August 11 – Family Fun Day
- "The Family Hangout" with games, crafts, and story exploration
- "Best in Show" interactive dog show by the Egg People
- "Cartoon Capers" acrobatic performance featuring a birdcage stage
- Circus workshop and "Lucky Pigeons" show by Brainfools
- Fallen Angels open dance workshop
- "The Family Jam" music session to close the festival
Among the highlights, Brainfools is a new grassroots circus company telling social stories with a light-hearted energy, started by Finn Burnett Pope and Toffy Paulweber.
Using polished contemporary circus skills and irresistible charm, the production Lucky Pigeons tells a surreal fable about the pecking order of urban society, featuring jaw-dropping juggling to dazzling aerialist tricks and lifts.
What began as two people has so far grown to a collective of acrobats, dancers, puppeteers, musicians and artists. The company explores new and innovative pathways to bring thrills, spills, and chills of live circus performance that engage a little deeper with societal issues and spark some thought and change.
Nina added: "Topsy Turvy 2024 offers something for children and the child in everyone; from relaxed SEND-friendly performances to high-energy music shows, we're particularly excited about the mix of local young talent and professional performances, which embodies our commitment to nurturing artistic expression in our community."
Topsy Turvy 2024 is free to attend, with some ticketed indoor performances and 'Pay What You Like' options available. SEND support will be provided across the entire programme.
The programme has been made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
For full event listings and to book a day pass, please visit https://TheatrePorto.org/TopsyTurvy24
The home of Theatre Porto.
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