The line up is taking shape and some ‘fantastic acts’ booked for one of the UK’s leading street theatre festivals.

Established in 2005 and now in its fifth year, the Shrewsbury International Street Theatre Festival (SISTF) takes place during the first weekend of September in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Supported by Shropshire Council and the Arts Council England, SISTF offers the best performers from all over the world to the 30,000 people that attend the three-day event.

Held on four stage or circle areas in and around the town centre, where each circle hosts six shows per day, the roster of performers for 2010 so far includes: Checker Board Guy, Galumpha, Haggis and Charlie, Hot Nuts & Popcorn, Jeff Moche, Lords of Strut, Party Animals, Shay Horay, Stacy Clark (High Strung), Betty Brawn (the Strongest Lady Alive), Tumble Circus, John Higby from Yo Yo People, walkabout characters Magic Kev, The Flying Buttresses, The Wardens, as well as a comedy Torture Tour of Shrewsbury from commissioned artists Emma Lloyd, Gareth Jones, Matt Bernard, Peter Murray and Petra Massey. There will also be an evening performance in the Shrewsbury Castle grounds entitled Midnight Madness in the Castle.

Festival director Bill Ferguson is pleased with how this year’s event is shaping up. He said: “Every year we aim to offer audiences the best artists and performers in the world and this year is no exception. In addition to the festival attracting thousands of visitors to boost Shrewsbury’s tourist economy, key European event organisers and producers also attend scouting acts to book for their own festivals. Such is our reputation! We are looking forward to a great International Street Theatre Festival with some fantastic acts already confirmed and more to follow.”

People interested in following the festival can view information online at www.shrewsburystreetfest.co.uk or join the Facebook site – Shrewsbury International Street Theatre Festival.

Pictured: Bill Ferguson, director SISTF