Festival of weird and wonderful

THE strongest lady alive, a sword swallower, juggling airline hostesses and a human pinwheel firecracker are just some of the awe-inspiring acts set to appear at Yamba fringe festival, Surfing the Coldstream.

The annual festival begins on October 24 when these acts are joined by acrobatic brother and sister duo The Pitts, flamenco dance troupe Tijuana Cartel and songstress Mihirangi in a show.

Festival director Dom Ferry said the Tent of Marvel's Show features some of the best street performers in the world and would be one of the most entertaining shows around.

Festival favourite The Space Cowboy will return to perform his magical act of sword swallowing and mind reading, while strong woman Betty Brawn will amaze with her super-human shows of strength.

They will be joined by brother and sister vaudeville performers The Pitts, street comedian Andy Zap, kooky juggling duo OzStar Airlines, and star of the 2005 festival, the Parrifinalien.

The acts will also perform throughout the three-day festival.

Surfing the Coldstream runs October 24-26. It features a mix of street performance and music.

Bands include The Re-Mains, The Perch Creek Family Jug Band and ex-Cruel Sea member Dan Rumour & The Drift, plus many more.

Tickets to the Tent of Marvels Show, to be held under the Kitchen to Table Big Top on October 27, can be bought from Wednesday at Arthouse Australia, Yamba.

Tickets cost $20 pre-pay and $25 on the door. For bookings call 6646 1999. Limited seating. The show starts at 7pm.