AREA 51’s world-renowned psycho circus sideshow squad, The Caravan Of Lost Souls, were sensationally received as they got stuck in at another major festival, keeping alive the spirit of PT Barnum.
Staged at the 17th century Lulworth Castle in Dorset, Bestival is a famous boutique festival spread over four days and 51’s kooky crew didn’t disappoint with an innovative mix of surrealism, circus skills, fakir shows and hefty dollops of weirdness that proved to be as eye catching and as popular as ever.
Barnum’s achievements as a showman and as the inspiration for the world of circuses continue to be in vogue so it’s apt that the Caravan Of Lost Souls have been tearing up the rule book and reinventing circus weirdness.
With its ever-changing cast of freakish performers rotated again, Bestival punters were treated to the bizarre and brilliance of “Hannibal Hellmurto,” real-name Helmut Kirchmeier, a jaw-dropping sword swallower who last year tore a four-inch hole in his oesophagus while swallowing a neon light bulb!
There was no blood and guts at the sun-kissed Bestival but this one-time German tax man, turned circus freak extraordinaire, still drew gasps and admiring applause with a series of stunning displays which included swallowing a saw blade! Not for the squeamish!
Also featured in an enlarged crew with the caravan was the idiosyncratic Ed Mondo whose routines involve juggling bullwhips plus a 12-strong fire dance team that climaxed the show.
On the final day of the festival, Area 51 provided a team of performers to take part in its finale, dancing with special LED umbrellas.
