Festival of Fools

Festival of Fools Festival of Fools is a jam-packed weekend of circus performances, featuring breathtaking acrobatics,
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Festival of Fools is the largest festival of circus and outdoor performance in Northern Ireland. Artists from around the world feature alongside the best of locally based talent. We are a free and family-friendly festival that happens on May Day Bank Holiday weekend in Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter. We program work that is accessible to a broad range of audiences as well as work that c

hallenges people’s preconceptions about circus and outdoor arts by programming new and challenging work alongside more ‘traditional’ forms of street arts. The festival is the brainchild of the late Belfast Community Circus School Director, Will Chamberlain, who believed passionately in the power of street theatre and laughter to bring people together regardless of background, religion or language. He established Festival of Fools in Cathedral Quarter in Belfast at a time when the area was a far cry from the bustling cultural centre it is today. Nowadays the Festival is a firm fixture on Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to Cathedral Quarter and the city centre. In 2025 we will celebrate our 20th edition of the festival in May and will bring a special edition to Belfast Maritime Festival in September, so stay tuned for that.

18/06/2026

🎪✨ More than a month later and we're still smiling...

From jaw-dropping acrobatics and street theatre to laughter-filled crowds and unforgettable moments across the city, this year's Festival of Fools was one to remember.

Take a look back at some of the highlights and relive the magic, mischief and mayhem that filled the streets of Belfast. Whether you joined us for one show or spent the whole weekend chasing performances, thank you for being part of it.

Here's to the artists, the audiences, the volunteers, and everyone who helped make Festival of Fools 2026 such a special celebration. ❤️

🎥 Watch the highlights video below and see if you can spot yourself!



fans Circusful Arts Council of Northern Ireland Belfast City Council Translink Linen Quarter Cathedral Quarter Belfast

26/05/2026
05/05/2026
What a weekend. ❤️A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out over the bank holiday and made Festival of Fools ...
05/05/2026

What a weekend. ❤️

A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out over the bank holiday and made Festival of Fools 2026 such a memorable, joyful, and gloriously ridiculous few days. From start to finish, it’s been packed with laughter, surprises, and moments we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

To all the performers, audiences, volunteers, and supporters, you made the magic happen.

Thank you all so much. 🎪



fans Circusful Belfast City Council Cathedral Quarter Belfast Visit Belfast Arts Council of Northern Ireland Linen Quarter 2 Royal Avenue Riddel's Warehouse Discover Northern Ireland

🌞 Welcome to the THIRD and FINAL day of Festival of Fools 2026 and yes… May the Fourth be with you 🖖After a weekend of g...
04/05/2026

🌞 Welcome to the THIRD and FINAL day of Festival of Fools 2026 and yes… May the Fourth be with you 🖖

After a weekend of glorious chaos, we’re going out with a bang. Today’s programme stretches across SIX sites, including two brand new additions in York Lane at Ulster University, plus The Whistle II inside The MAC (the only ticketed show at just £5, everything else is completely free, and everyone’s welcome) - https://themaclive.com/event/the-whistle-ii

And look at that, the sun’s decided to show up for the finale. About time.

So come soak it all in, chase down your favourite acts, discover something unexpected, and help us make this final day one to remember.

We’ll see you out there for the grand finale. 🎪

fans Circusful

Thank you - yes, you(!) - for attending Day 2 of Festival of Fools 2026. Your enthusiasm, laughter, and questionable dec...
03/05/2026

Thank you - yes, you(!) - for attending Day 2 of Festival of Fools 2026. Your enthusiasm, laughter, and questionable decision-making have been noted and filed under “Highly Commendable Nonsense.”

What a day it was… feats of daring, displays of delight!

But steady on, do not wander off into the hills just yet!

We have ONE 👏 MORE 👏 DAY 👏 tomorrow. The GRAND FINALE. The big one. The cheese course of chaos. And it would be a terrible shame (a terrible shame) if you missed it.

So gather your friends, your tennis partner, your auntie who laughs too loudly, and join us one last time.

Join us! 🎪

Circusful

03/05/2026

Address

23 Gordon Street
Belfast
BT12LG

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