The Hopla! Circus Festival will once again bring its magic to the streets of Brussels from 26 April to 2 May, with a rich and diverse programme, organisers announced on Monday.
Fifteen performances will enliven the afternoons of Brussels residents, from De Brouckère and Sainte-Catherine squares to the Versailles and Nord districts, including the Sewer Museum.
This year, Hopla! is shifting away from evening indoor events, focusing on daytime activities in public spaces.
The festival will transform urban areas typically not used for cultural activities, making them more accessible, including suitable furniture for people with reduced mobility.
Additionally, the festival will continue its partnership with the 'I see' foundation to promote the integration of blind and visually impaired individuals by providing image translators for several performances.
Inclusivity will be at the heart of Anchored in Air, presented on Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 April, at Sainte-Catherine Square. This aerial theatre show by the Head Over Wheels company features a diverse troupe of disabled and non-disabled artists.
"This first act is a captivating blend of circus, dance, spoken word, and music, drawing the audience into a world where wheelchairs take flight, audio description is part of the show, and gravity-defying acrobatics occur. At the centre of this performance is a massive tower, both a playground and a challenge," describe the organisers.
"This circus festival will offer us six days of magic and discovery, with shows for the whole family and original creations showcasing Belgian talents in the heart of the city," enthuses Philippe Close (PS), Mayor of Brussels.
