Mayo's Circus250 celebrates Ocean Hero Award

Achill-based Circus250 has won an Ocean Hero Award for their work with coastal communities on clown-led clean ups, Fishy n’ Dishy performances and maritime themed circus science fun.

A circus with a clear purpose, Circus250 won from hundreds of nominations for the prestigious title in the national awards run by Clean Coasts, in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland.

The Ocean Hero Award shines a spotlight on Circus250’s original creative productions aimed to help protect the planet through performances, workshops and clown-led beach cleans.

At the winning event, held at beautiful Rinroe Strand in north Mayo, Juanita the Climate Clown led a fun-filled beach clean-up with local children, and juggling and plate-spinning duo Fishy n’ Dishy led sea-themed circus workshops. Organised with Clean Coasts and Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, the event turned tackling plastic pollution into a day of hope and action.

Circus250 director Dea Birkett commented: “We're thrilled to have won this award. We believe circus has the power to inspire real change. Through circus-led activities, we aim to turn concern into action, helping people see they can make a meaningful difference in their community and beyond - and injecting some fun along the way!”

This project is part of Circus250’s broader commitment to using circus arts to highlight urgent environmental issues, from plastic pollution to climate change. Called Circus Science by the Sea on Tour, this important work is funded by Research Ireland.

“Thank you to Clean Coasts and Circus250’s community partners for recognising the role Circus250 can play in tackling global challenges with local action.”