World-class circus, aerial theatre, dance, music and hands-on family fun will take over the streets of Shepton Mallet on Saturday 18th July as All the World's Our Playground Festival returns for its seventh year!

Presented by Make the Sunshine, the much-loved community festival brings together international artists, local performers and young people for a celebration of creativity, imagination and community.

Among this year's headline acts is ManoAmano, the internationally acclaimed circus company from South America, who will close the festival with a breathtaking performance combining acrobatics, comedy and contemporary circus.

One of the highlights of the day will be a premiere of On the Shoulders, a brand-new aerial circus performance created by professional contemporary circus company Pirates of the Carabina and featuring performances from students from Whitstone School. Following a week-long creative residency, the young people will perform alongside the company's professional artists, giving audiences the chance to experience an exciting new piece.

The programme also includes performances from Make the Sunshine's sunRISE Dance Company and community dancers, amazing circus skills and back by popular demand after he wow-ed audiences is year is circus tricks and comedy from Harvey Juggling. There will be live folk music, concert pianists, Morris dancing, dance workshops, music workshops with Sing-a-Ling, and free creative craft activities for children throughout the day.

Louise from Make the Sunshine, said:

"One of the things we love most about this festival is that it brings together internationally renowned performers with local artists, community groups and young people. Whether you're watching incredible circus from South America or seeing local young people perform alongside professional artists, the festival is all about celebrating creativity and enjoying world-class arts experiences can happen right here in Shepton Mallet."

The festival has once again been programmed alongside local young people, ensuring the event reflects the interests and ideas of the community. As well as enjoying performances, visitors are encouraged to get involved through workshops, crafts and interactive activities throughout the day.

advertisement

Festival Programme

11:00am – Sing-a-Ling Family Music Workshop

11:45am – Morris Dance Performance & Workshop

12:15pm – Creative Dance Workshop (aimed at ages 5-7)

12:15pm – Live Piano & Children's Craft Activities

12:45pm – Dance Performances

1:00pm – Harvey Juggling

1:45pm – Sing-a-Ling Family Music Workshop

1:45pm – Live Piano & Dance Performances

2:15pm – Pirates of the Carabina present On the Shoulders with students from Whitstone School

3:00pm – Live Folk Music

3:30pm – ManoAmano (South American circus act)

The festival takes place from 11am–4pm across Shepton Mallet Town Centre and is completely free to attend.

All the World's Our Playground Festival has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Shepton Mallet Town Council, Wells Festival of Literature, Take Art, Hugo Burge Foundation and Open Mental Health and amazing people who have donated to Make the Sunshine this year - helping bring world-class artists and free creative experiences to the heart of the community.

For more information, visit Make the Sunshine's social media channels @makethesunshinecic