Diverse circus act is ‘out there’ in competition bid
SKYLIGHT Circus Arts, which teaches circus skills for all ages and abilities, he’s been named as a finalist in Eventbrite’s most curious and colourful events competition.
Eventbrite’s competition was created to celebrate the wide diversity of events that can be found on Eventbrite, and especially those that could be described as unusual, unique, alternative – and maybe a little bit ‘out there.’
Skylight Circus Arts was commended for its inclusivity and has been named in the top 12 events.
It runs specialist events for a whole host of different abilities and circumstances, including its Circus Rainbow events for LGBTQIA teens and its Side by Side sessions which support emotional wellbeing for children.
Linda, 71, who has attended many Skylight events, said: “A friend of a friend told me about Skylight, encouraging me to go along to the sessions for over sixties. I’m generally interested in the arts but I hadn’t participated in anything for a long while so it piqued my interest.
“I went along and everyone was so welcoming and the staff were great. They encouraged me to try things within my comfort zone and progress as I became more confident.”
“That was four years ago and since then I’ve learnt a lot of new skills – from juggling to diablo. I’ve also performed aerial circus at lots of events – to learn something I thought I could never do and then progress to performing is a truly amazing experience at my age.”
The winning event, to be announced in November, will receive a £2,500 cash to name a few.
“Each week we run about 15 sessions aimed at different groups within Rochdale – be they refugee families, people with disabilities or the over sixties.
“In 2021 our numbers were drastically reduced due to Lockdown but we still had over 1,700 participants from a really broad cross section of the community. It’s incredibly rewarding work, and the team that runs these events is exceptionally talented.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been recognised by Eventbrite in this competition.
“Hopefully it will encourage more people to try circus skills and performance.”
Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert said: “Among the wide variety of experiences on Eventbrite, Skylight Circus Arts stood out as being delightfully different and wonderfully inclusive.
“Not many people in wheelchairs would have the opportunity to try trapeze!
“It’s great to see such a fun and joyous pastime being experienced and taken up by people of all ages and abilities.”