Clown Fest will put smile on your face

Clowns are set to take over Manchester as the inaugural Clown Fest arrives in Exchange Square.

Organised by the team behind Manchester-based Clown Lab, with support from the London Clown Festival and CityCo, the event is set to bring some of the best live clowning shows into one place on Juky 28 and 29.

A pop-up 100-seater tent will host performances for a range of audiences including family shows, activities and walkabout street theatre.

“Why do we want to bring this festival to Manchester city centre? That’s simple. It’s about community,” say Mark Winstanley and Alice Robinson of Clown Lab. “Laughter brings people together, it bonds us.

“When we first started Clown Lab that was what it was about, working to build and nurture a community of performers and people interested in being more playful, open and ridiculous. Our community has grown over the years and now we are ready to share that with the city. Hence Clown Fest Manchester.”

The Omnitorium will host local performers and companies such as Ship of Fools, alongside awardwinning international performers. Highlights include award-winning comedian Bob Slayer and the spectacle of the Clown Fest Cabaret.

Cyril the Squirrel, Captain Cauliflower and Pudding & Lulu will keep children entertained throughout the weekend.

Tickets range from pay as you see fit to £8, visit clownfestmcr.com for information.