Last updated at 16:25, Monday, 20 August 2012

TWIRLING trapeze artists, dextrous dancers and a nail-biting knife –throwing act captivated the crowds inside a big top tent during the second day of a street arts festival.

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Masquepony, a cultural extravaganza brought to Cartmel by Lakes Alive, came to a close on Saturday night, following two days of fun which attracted around 2,000 people.

After an afternoon of street theatre in the village centre on Friday, followed by musical entertainment at Cartmel Racecourse, Saturday’s events opened with the festival circus.

Held in a big top tent at the racecourse, the contemporary show had the crowd gasping, groaning and giggling in equal measure as incredible acts from all over the world took to the centre circle to show off their skills. An acrobat, a tight tope walker and a contortionist were amongst those to set the bar high for the rest of the day’s performers.

Swinging trapeze student, Chenoa Albertson, then brought the tent to life, dangling from her arms and feet as she soared confidently through the air.

Dangerous Jones left everyone on the edge of their seats as he flung knives at a wooden board while his partner posed in front of it, balancing precariously in a handstand and twisting her body into different shapes every few seconds. Plate-spinning, fire-juggling and hula-hooping were also on display.

Stealing the show as they brought the performance to a close, the Daring Jones Duo took to the trapeze together, twisting themselves around each others bodies while suspended high above the centre circle.

Children and adults alike were glued to their seats as they took in the amazing spectacle.

Scales resident, Anne Maguire, watched with her daughter, Joanne Cleasby, and her four young grandsons and said: “I think it was great. The boys all sat and watched it from start to finish so it must have been very entertaining – their mouths were hanging open at points.”

Cartmel couple Sandra and Philip Pascall took six-year-old grandson, Euan Adams, along, having watched Friday’s street performances and been to the musical event the night before.

Mr Pascall, 67, said: “Last night was excellent, we really enjoyed it. It really spurred us on to come back down today and it’s been well worth it.”

First published at 09:55, Monday, 20 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk