1988 – date
For the last 26 years, Stockton has played host to Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF). Attracting a range of local and International acts to it’s streets, Circus & Street performers have wowed and bemused audiences. We can thank Frank Wilson the main producer and founder and the local council for organising such an elaborate event. Frank is co-producer with Jan Doherty, Chief Arts Officer for the Council.
In recent years many local people have been part of the festival in enormous shows including: Prometheus Awakes with La Fura Del Baus, where 80 dangled 70 ft up from cranes, as part of the London 2012 Festival and in 2013 many returned with Compaigne Off to be ring boys or the stilt walking hind-quarters of 18 x 8m tall red Giraffes. SIRF also co-commissioned street theatre through the Without Walls programme. SIRF is known as one of the country’s top summer circus & street arts festivals.
