Skylight Circus Arts finds its Spark!

Date published: 12 September 2022

Members of the public were treated to a thrilling display of circus skills last month with Skylight’s outdoor circus show, Spark!, performed in Falinge Park for a family fun day.

Spark! is inspired by the finite energy of the universe, and follows a similar show in June as part of the Rochdale Folk Festival.

Funded by Arts Council England, the show brought together Skylight’s professional performers, their regular members and community participants to create a stunning spectacle.

The day also saw a spectacular community parade, created with Hebden Bridge’s Handmade Parade; plus a free arts and craft workshop for children, courtesy of Cartwheel Arts; plus have-a-go circus sessions, and professional and community performers.

The steampunk parade passed circus performers en route to a grand finale of incredible aerial and circus skills in the picturesque Victorian Courtyard.

The day came as part of a partnership with Vintage Worx, the community development trust which manages Falinge Park.

Skylight’s creative director, Martine Bradford, said: “It was an amazing day. The audience gave us so much energy on such a hot day; it was a joyous celebration of circus performance.”

Dawn Pierson, funding and development manager, added: “We were thrilled at the public turn out and so grateful to everyone for supporting the event. We're extremely proud of our performers, who performed a fantastic steampunk-themed parade and circus show. 

“We'd also like to say a huge thank you to our partners, Vintage Worx, Cartwheel Arts, Handmade Parade and project funders, Arts Council England.”