A giant water giant, the world's biggest spinning top and joyful bicycle acrobatics at Porto Circolo 2024

Street theatre festival in Tilburg's Piushaven is about to start

Festival Circolo is proud to present the second edition of Porto Circolo, the free street theatre festival taking place during the Tilburg Fair. On Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July, the Piushaven in Tilburg will be transformed into a vibrant stage for circus, dance and theatre, suitable for young and old. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy spectacular acts on and off the water, ranging from stunning acrobatics to absurdist street art.

A giant in Piushaven

During the Tilburg fair, it is not just the Ferris wheel that towers far above the people. For in Piushaven, a metre-high giant rises from the water and then roams the harbour. This colourful beast is part of Autin Dance Theatre's performance Out of the Deep Blue. This impressive production, which has already conquered thousands of hearts worldwide, is now calling at Tilburg harbour. The performance follows the encounter between a mysterious giant and a brave girl, who together embark on an enchanting journey in which they learn to overcome their differences and live together. This performance combines contemporary dance theatre, masterful puppetry and a beautiful soundscape to create an unforgettable experience. And perhaps brightest of all, is how Out of the Deep Blue brings complex themes such as the climate crisis and biodiversity to children's lives. 

Roll over

In addition, Porto Circolo presents a programme filled with absurdist office men, sensual dance, wooden human figures and joyful bicycle acrobatics. One of the absolute must-sees is POI by Cia D'es Tro. A delightful performance around toll play with a Mediterranean twist. Guillem Vizcaíno takes the audience into a world of play and fun with a touch of Spanish charm. With a music, humour and a selection of spinning tops, he spins you crazy in the best possible way with the spectacle being one of the world's largest spinning tops weighing 45 kg, launched with a rope of more than 15 metres. With POI, you will experience a unique, playful show that combines spinning tops and circus in a delightfully quirky way. Also fun: this is the very first time the show has been performed in the Netherlands.

Water Queens

The spectacle is not only on dry land at Porto Circolo. The compelling performance Waterqueens by Boost Productions tells the myth of three talented women with fragile relationships between them, steeped in intense resentment and jealousy. Their search for togetherness and connection comes to life on the water in the middle of Piushaven. Exploring the boundaries between movement theatre, circus, dance and visual art, this performance is a magical voyage of discovery into female strength, connection and tolerance.

Red thread

It is the second time that Porto Circolo will take place at Tilburg Harbour. The festival, co-facilitated by the municipality of Tilburg, connects the Tilburg Fair with other events and venues in the city. The common thread running through this year's Porto Circolo programme is the deep connection between people and nature. Against the natural backdrop of the Piushaven, acrobatic feats, poetic dance and hilarious street theatre offer a glimpse into the relationship to our (human) nature. A profound core dipped in a tasteful circus jacket, great to experience with the whole family and also to ruminate on afterwards.

Practical information

Porto Circolo takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July at Piushaven in Tilburg. All performances are free of charge. The full programme of Porto Circolo 2024 can now be found at www.festivalcircolo.nl/porto-circolo/.