ROLL up, roll up!

Matrix Circus came to town to teach people young and old how to shake their hips and master the art of hula hooping.

The free family event took place in Barrow’s Outdoor Market yesterday (Friday) and saw traders such as the Cumbrian Coffee Van sell delicious treats such as candy floss, donuts and hot beverages to those who were passing by.

The first hula hoop workshop went ahead at 11.30am and saw around 50 people take up the challenge.

Stilt walking was next on the agenda, mesmerising all of those who watched as a giant ‘butterfly’ strolled down the street.

The Mail:

The final workshop of the day was at 2pm. And like the previous one, ended in a brilliant display of hula hoop skills by Jennifer of Matrix Circus.

In the workshops children and adults alike were encouraged to hold the hula hoop against their back, give it a good push and wiggle their hips from side to side to keep it in motion.

They also practised tricks such as skipping with the hula hoop and trying to create a Mexican wave with the hoops.

Jennifer, who is also a fire eater, said: “It has been amazing. There were 50 people at the first workshop!

“It is play that brings the community together and gives confidence to people to try out new things.”

The Mail:

Delighted at the turnout, Jacqui Armstrong of Barrow Market was glad to see the outdoor area being utilised by residents and traders.

Jacqui said: “It has been a fantastic, free family event.

“We like to give something back to the community, in the school holidays parents can struggle to fill in time.

“And it’s not just for the children, the adults have enjoyed it. Grandparents have loved watching it.

“We have all enjoyed it – great fun in the sunshine. It has had a real circus atmosphere with the hula hoops and the candy floss.”