Festival returns on a high

Australian circus company Casus, presenting Knee Deep.

It's here - the "Upsurge" of feeling and fun that comes with the rebirth of the Bay of Islands Arts Festival.

Renamed Upsurge, the jam-packed four-day festival, which started yesterdayand runs until Sunday, offers entertainment for all ages all across the district.

Festival director Sophie Kelly said she has enjoyed pulling together a line-up that "pushes the boundaries as much as it entertains and surprises".

The diverse, colourful array of heart-warming, inspirational and delightful performances - from serious theatre to hiphop to circus to comedy - will take place in Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Omapere, Hokianga and Kohukohu.

Sally Macauley, chairwoman of the Bay of Islands Arts Festival Trust, said it had been important for the event to evolve with the changing times to develop a new audience.

Working with the Festival of Colour in Wanaka, Upsurge Festival has secured some outstanding artists.

Among them is hot new Australian circus company Casus, presenting Knee Deep, a display of humanity and physical skill by four performers.

A piece of family theatre, The Pianist, sees a high-brow concert turned into a spectacularly amusing catastrophe of a show. Held at the Turner Centre, this is a delight for ages 8 and above.

Another one for all the family from the award-winning company Trick of the Light Theatre is The Bookbinder, a story of mystery, magic and mayhem. The Bookbinder weaves shadowplay, paper art, puppetry and music into an inventive performance for adventurous adults and curious children. The performance will be held in Pompallier House, Russell, where some of the first books in New Zealand were bound.

•For more details on all of the performances and workshops, visit www.upsurgefestival.co.nz.

All tickets are available at The Turner Centre either in person, by phone booking or online at www.turnercentre.co.nz