Community
24 January, 2024
Spinfest draws hundreds to region
AROUND 350 people took the phrase ‘run away and join the circus’ quite seriously when Spinfest returned to the region this month.
Camp Cooriemungle was a hive of activity as people from as far away as South Australia flocked to learn circus skills and tricks at Spin Circus Festival 2024 – affectionately nicknamed Spinfest.
The festival featured three days of workshops, shows, skills and connection among the community for everyone from beginners to experts.
Spinfest director Ciara Thorburn said she was thrilled with the continued growth of the event since the relocation to Camp Cooriemungle four years ago.
“Having so many people attending can sometimes be scary but we managed, so we’re really happy with how things went,” she said.
“We had a lot of people enjoying a wide range of acrobatics and aerials including lyra, trapeze and silks.
“The fitness classes like yoga, conditioning and contortion were popular, so too were our performance workshops, looking at how to put an act together or interact on stage.
“It incorporates so much from theatre to dance, which can accommodate everyone from circus professionals to hobbyists. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.”
The event marked the fourth year in the region for the event, which has proven a hit in its 15-year history.
The event was previously hosted in Wensleydale at the Sokil Arts Eco Retreat, but looked for a change of scenery when the numbers began reaching around 200 participants each year.
Ms Thorburn praised the facilities at Camp Cooriemungle, which has allowed further growth for the festival.
“We’ve got better facilities to cater for people from the toilets, showers and dorms plus additional access roads making it easier to move around,” she said.
“It’s worked out really well, and is more of a central point between Melbourne and Adelaide where we draw a lot of people from.”
Ms Thorburn said she was already looking forward to next year for the “super fun” event.
“I say it’s become like a giant birthday party for me because I’ve made so many friends there, there is so much to learn and do every year,” she said.
“I’ve been there since the beginning, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships while meeting new people each year.
“You’re seeing the next generation of young circus artists, but also a lot of people of any age picking it up.
“We’ve got such an amazing mix of people who are all brought together – we’re like a big bunch of weirdos, and this is a place we can come and be ourselves.”