A FLAMING high wire act is set to bring the curtain down as the stunning finale as Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) celebrates its 30th birthday this summer.

Jade Kindar-Martin, a student of Philippe Petit who walked between the World Trade Centre’s Twin Towers in 1974, is the only high wire artist in the world who walks on a burning wire.

In this unique show by Cirque Bijou, he is joined by his wife Karine and leading wire walkers the Bullzini Family, they push the boundaries of contemporary circus, street theatre and spectacle, seeking out the new, unexpected and extraordinary.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “This year’s programme is shaping up to be a hugely entertaining and at times thought-provoking mix of high quality, theatre, dance and circus. High wire has wowed audiences at many of our festivals over the years so we thought it fitting that in its birthday year we bring celebrations to a close with a very special, never to be forgotten high wire finale.”

SIRF17 takes place from Thursday, August 3 to Sunday 6 and will offer an exciting mix of small and large scale shows for people of all ages.

The finale high wire show will be performed on the Sunday at 10pm.