In Millennium Square, a new stage layout will be created. In collaboration with the Old Vic Theatre School stage design graduates, Cirque Bijou will be creating a circular stage in the centre of the square with a 10 metre high trapeze rig towering above.

The set and scenery design team will be creating a world of bygone beach holidays, of Punch & Judy, beach-huts, bathing beauties, donkey rides, arcades, piers, beach-games, and sandcastles.

The new stage design is being funded by a successful approach to Arts Council South West by Cirque Bijou and Bristol City Council. The money will also fund a new street theatre commission, a professional circus award and youth circus commission for Bristol based artists. All acts will be premiered at this year's Festival.

Amongst this year's acts are internationally acclaimed mime and acrobatic duo Gamarjobat from Japan (winners of Best International Act at last year’s Brighton Festival), alongside returning firm favourites, Tanzanian acrobats, the Black Eagles. Additional acts include Hoop La-La and the Bathing Beauties, Bongo Bolero, the BTEC circus troupe from Circomedia and English and Russian aerialists Navaku.

Rod Laver, world record holding ping pong ball juggler and Woody Bop Muddy of breaking record fame will be compering once again, with help from their team of circus artists from Circomedia.

Whether it's putting your feet up in a deckchair at the circus stage or throwing a water balloon at your dearly beloved we hope you can join us for a guaranteed fun filled weekend!

Click on the icons below to download the video of the 2005 Harbour Festival

Thank you to Laura Phillimore, Madeleine Birchall and Anna Finch for designing and helping build this year's stage.