The Carnival of Colors took place in Derry city center last weekend and thousands of people came out to enjoy the event.
But In Your Space Circus, which runs the main event, says the festival is seeing it as a challenge to “make ends meet”.
This year’s one-day event was jam-packed with circus-themed treats featuring the best of international street theatre, walking characters and shows, circus workshops, arts and crafts, graffiti arts demos and a musical program from the Centre. Nerve.
The festival took place in Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place, Foyle Embankment and the Peace Garden.
In Your Space Circus says that despite financial support from a number of local organizations and businesses, it is becoming increasingly difficult to organize the event.
Cath McBride, director of the company, said: “We have big ambitions for the festival, but fundraising is an ongoing challenge and requires donations from the audience to help make up the shortfall.”
She added: “We were delighted with the success of the festival over the weekend. Our hearts were so full seeing people out, enjoying the event and engaging in all the performances. It makes all the hard work worth it.
“We loved the city center location and it worked really well connecting to the Walled City Market on Saturday.
“The challenge to raise money to bring the festival back in 2023 starts now. With funding cut, it always raises the question of whether or not we can afford to do it. But we think it’s such an asset to the city that we’ve put in the extra work to make it happen.”
