From 02–06 May, artists from around the world will be coming to perform at one of Belfast’s most popular events – the 10th annual street theatre festival celebrating the international language of laughter: the Festival of Fools.
From stiltwalking mermaids to sword swallowing women, from mysterious magicians through to gardeners on trapezes, the FoF has got it all and everything in between.
Across the weekend, the FoF will be transforming streets and squares across Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter into lively venues staging more than 130 performances, all free of charge.
Some of the most surreal performances to hit the streets of Belfast will be seen in the shape of a man with a saxophone for a head; Dr Palfi, the world’s only laughologist, who will be continuing his relentless campaign to stop Natural Causes – the biggest cause of death in the world today; Mooky Cornish, an award winning clown who steals hearts at the same time as drawing tears of laughter; Travelling Obo, a mythical creature whose journey to Belfast is documented in a specially commissioned short film available on the Festival’s Facebook page; an alternative walking tour courtesy of Misguided Tours; and the incomparable Chris Lynam whose comedy is so unpredictable even he doesn’t know what comes next.
Getting off the streets, this year 17 restaurants, bars and cafes are taking part in the Festival of Foods, offering a huge range of discounts for audiences if they present a voucher from the brochure or website. And to get there, Translink will be offering a wide range of bus and rail ticket options, encouraging folk to leave the cars at home.
With non-stop shows throughout the day in locations across the City Centre and Cathedral Quarter, each evening finishes with a variety style show featuring highlights from the day’s acts in the relaxed surroundings of Saint Anne’s Square. As clichéd as it may be to say it; you’d be a fool to miss it.
The 10th Festival of Fools runs from 2 – 6 May and will be found at various places in and around Belfast City Centre. For more information go to – foolsfestival.com
