Thousands of people flocked to Weston to enjoy an array of thrilling outdoor arts and entertainment during the Whirligig Festival.

The free event was organised by Theatre Orchard and took place at a number of different venues across the town from September 10-12.

Weston Mercury: Jugglers and acrobats Simple Cypher at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Jugglers and acrobats Simple Cypher at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Fiona Matthews, creative director at Theatre Orchard, said: "We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm with which Weston greeted this year’s Whirligig Festival. Our main event day on Saturday in the Italian Gardens saw world-class acts wowing audiences of all ages, who in turn responded with enough warmth to rival any European Festival destination.

Weston Mercury: Pirates of the Carabina circus taxi at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Pirates of the Carabina circus taxi at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

"Weston shone with a mind-boggling array of acrobatics, dance, puppetry and more, free of charge for all to enjoy thanks to funding from Arts Council, Without Walls and Foyle Foundation. "A massive thank you to the brilliant artists who showcased their talent and to everyone for coming along and spreading the joy.”

Weston Mercury: The Wild show by Motionhouse.The Wild show by Motionhouse. (Image: Adam Leppard)


Weston Mercury: Jugglers and acrobats Simple Cypher at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Jugglers and acrobats Simple Cypher at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Weston Mercury: 'The Lips' from Puppets with Guts at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.'The Lips' from Puppets with Guts at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Weston Mercury: Austin Dance Theatre's Sea Giant from Out of the Deep Blue at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Austin Dance Theatre's Sea Giant from Out of the Deep Blue at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Weston Mercury: Pirates of the Carabina circus taxi at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Pirates of the Carabina circus taxi at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Weston Mercury: Austin Dance Theatre's Sea Giant from Out of the Deep Blue at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival.Austin Dance Theatre's Sea Giant from Out of the Deep Blue at Orchard Theatre's Whirligig Festival. (Image: Mark Atherton)