Last year’s show was a huge hit with the crowds.

And this Friday, August 14th, Circus Factory will set Cork ablaze once again as part of the Pitch’d Circus and Street Arts Festival 2026.

As night falls, the Marina Park (by the slides along the Marina Promenade) will come alive with sparks, flames, and breathtaking skill in a performance created by and for the local community from 8pm.

“Last year’s fire show was incredible. We expected 300-400 people but got close to a thousand,” said Circus Factory’s Marketing Manager, Megan Cronin.

“The show had to change halfway through to perform to the audiences behind the performers! This year we’re preparing a 360-degree show, and people will love it!”

The fire show marks the busiest weekend of the festival celebrating circus and street arts in Cork City. Alongside high-energy performances, the programme includes a variety of cabaret acts, gravity-defying acts, and thought-provoking performances.

Circus Factory is also hosting free family-friendly circus workshops, aerial tasters and stage presence workshops at their space on Centre Park Road.

One of the festival’s feature shows is Quare Fruit by Jude O’ Neill and Jean McMahon. The performance is fresh off its sold-out run at Cork Fringe Festival earlier this year. It is a second opportunity to catch the show, which is centred around community and otherness, featuring circus, dance and original music.

The fire show is free, but Circus Factory is encouraging registration so they can contact attendees if needed.

Photos: David Hegarty