A NEW arts event for children and families from the popular Theatre Porto will take place later this month in Ellesmere Port.

Topsy Turvy, billed as a "captivating arts extravaganza", will take place from August 11 to 13 at Whitby Park. The weekend promises a series of free and pay-what-you-like performances and special events, tailored especially for children, young people and families, featuring talented companies from across the UK.

Highlights include thrilling indoor and outdoor performances, acrobatics, beat-boxing, family-friendly gigs, mesmerizing dance, enchanting puppetry, and an awe-inspiring aerial performance on a giant swing.

Unmissable indoor events will require booking due to capacity limitations, and include:

• Dommy B – Can We Roar? - Friday, August 11th, 2023, 2:30 PM

• Paris Bubbles – The Ultimate Bubble Show - Saturday, August 12th, 2023, 2:30 PM

• Paris Bubbles – The RELAXED Bubble Show - Saturday, August 12th, 2023, 4:00 PM

• Family Catwalk Extravaganza - Sunday, August 13th, 2023, 2:30 PM

Outside visitors will be able to view talented acts such as The Bee Cart (Pif Paf Theatre), The Most Dangerous Cup Of Tea Show (Tit For Tat), Tape That – a charming circus show involving a suitcase of duct tape, plus, unique music from James Taylor and the David Gibb Family Jukebox.

Additionally, Theatre Porto will also be exhibiting artwork 'Chaos Wonderland' from their school’s project If Children Ruled the World, showcasing creations from local school children, led by artist, Jake Ryan. This unique initiative encouraged children to "re-write the rule book" empowering them to express their creativity and ideas.

Another highlight of the event is the heartwarming 'Great, Big, Little Parade' featuring children aged 7-11 from Theatre Porto’s popular Drama Droplets groups. The activity is one of Cheshire West and Chester micro commissions from their Reflections Programme, focussed on pandemic recovery and embracing the beauty of outdoor green spaces.

In line with its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Theatre Porto offers a pay-what-you-like approach for the performances. All are welcome to attend, and there is no requirement to purchase tickets. For those who can contribute, every donation helps sustain the company's efforts to keep performances and activities free or low-cost for those who need it most.

Ellesmere Port Collective radio and birthday picnic

Alongside a packed weekend of performances, Theatre Porto will soft-launch the Ellesmere Port Collective's new radio stream, featuring a live DJ-set broadcast from Whitby Park. The initiative aims to establish a dedicated space for young people to explore and share their love for music.

As the specialist theatre celebrates its one-year anniversary, they also invite everyone to join them for their birthday picnic, ahead of Topsy Turvy on Thursday, August 10 from 2pm until 4pm. Visitors are able to bring their own picnic food, but the on-site café will also be open. The outdoor terrace will see an afternoon fun, games and cake and the event is entirely free for local families.

Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) has been providing creative opportunities for children and young people throughout Ellesmere Port for over three decades. The organisation opened its purpose-built cultural hub in Whitby Park in August 2022.

Further information about the Topsy Turvy event, including full running times, programmes and ticketing will be available to view on the Theatre Porto website.