Eastleigh Unwrapped to Return in June for Free Day of Family Fun

Eastleigh Unwrapped - a free day of live performance produced by The Point - will return to the Borough on Saturday 23rd June.

Now in its sixth year, the festival programmes circus, aerial, family theatre and dance - suitable for the whole family - in a day that celebrates the best in world-class contemporary performance. In 2015 the event welcomed 11,000 people and continues to grow. Creative Programme Producer Vicki Hargreaves said:

"Clear your calendars on Saturday 23rd June 2018 to make way for a jam packed day of performance and activity for all the family. A fantastic celebration each year for the Eastleigh community, with something for children, adults, parents and even grandparents! Last year the sun made a very welcome appearance and the town felt alive with hundreds of people taking to the streets, enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival."

Eastleigh Unwrapped is celebrated within the arts community and has a strong reputation for attracting world-class outdoor artists. Launched in 2013 by The Point, the free outdoor festival was created with the community in mind, bringing exceptional companies to Leigh Park Recreation Ground and Eastleigh Town Centre to present bespoke outdoor performance. The event has built a popular reputation among local businesses too, annually boosting the local economy.

The full programme will be announced in April, with The Point today announcing two of the 2018 festival headliners: UK based company Highly Sprung's Urban Astronaut and Belgian company Sur Mesure's fun-filled Fillage. The venue is delighted to be presenting circus performance as this year the country celebrates 250 years since the discipline was introduced in the UK as part of a nationwide #cirucs250 celebration.

Urban Astronaut is an award-winning physical theatre and aerial walkabout production, presented by Highly Sprung; a company that has been creating inspiring work for young people for more than fifteen years. The performance follows an astronaut, suspended 20ft in the air, attached to a bespoke 'flying machine'. The piece is roaming and will move around Eastleigh Town Centre.

Fillage by Sur Mesure is a thrilling static outdoor production that combines trampoline, acrobatics and juggling with live music to present an awe-inspiring spectacle, suitable for all ages. The headline performance - which will take place on Leigh Park - celebrates circus and music, with talented musicians and acrobats sharing the stage to deliver a truly unique outdoor production.

The Sorting Office will also form part of Eastleigh Unwrapped, opening its doors to the public with the opportunity to look around the former Royal Mail Sorting Centre and meet the 16 creative residents currently working from the studios. Browse and buy bespoke, handmade products from an array of craftspeople and artists.

Previous companies to have performed at Eastleigh Unwrapped include the internationally-renowned Point @HOME artist Theatre Re, puppeteer Lori Hopkins, and the daring High-wire company Bullzini Family. The full programme for 2018's event - which will encompass family theatre, circus, live music, and dance - will be announced in April.

Eastleigh Unwrapped is produced by The Point and supported by Arts Council England and Marks & Spencer, Eastleigh.

Stay up-to-date at www.eastleighunwrapped.com.

Eastleigh Unwrapped launched in June 2013. Now in its sixth year, the free festival for families brings the best in circus, aerial, dance and theatre to the heart of Borough from around the country and beyond.

Curated by The Point and supported by Arts Council England, the family event welcomed more than 11,000 people in 2015.

To find out more visit: www.eastleighunwrapped.com.

Opened in 1996, and converted from Eastleigh's old town hall, The Point is a regional powerhouse for contemporary dance, helmed by Artistic Director Sacha Lee. Supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, the venue has an on-site Creation Space with attached accommodation (the first of its kind in the UK), which attracts both national and International Artists and companies.

In 2017 the venue had its NPO status re-instated and continues to support the work of emerging and established artists through its Associate Artist and @HOME programmes. It is home to Eastleigh Unwrapped, an annual free outdoor arts event; Eastleigh Film Festival and the European Aerial Dance Festival.

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