Circus strikes the right note; EVENT: Juggling clubs replace batons as teens learn new skills at concert venue.

Byline: Tony Collins

A pupil gets to grips with a Diablo. JS070809CIRC-4

INSTEAD of the regular stirring performances by the CBSO and various visiting orchestras, Symphony Hall has been playing host to the skills of the Big Top.

A series of circus skills, from stiltwalking and juggling to spinning plates, took place at the concert venue as part of a summer programme of activities organised by the city's University of the First Age.

The week-long Walking Tall and Aiming High event featured an introduction to the world of street theatre alongside professionals from Bezerkaz Circus, which offers circus skills, activities and performances across the UK.

A total of 15 children aged between 14 and 18 took part in the sessions at Symphony Hall, which also included unicycling, feather balancing and magic tricks.

The workshops, which also focused on team-building, concluded with a show for friends and family, as well as representatives from both Symphony Hall and UFA.

The annual Summer Challenge programme, which the University of the First Age has been running for 11 years, offers activities for local youngsters aged 10 to 20, with support from companies and organisations ranging from Birmingham Rep and the National Trust to Handsworth Community Fire Station.

For further information, log on at * www.ufa.org.uk Roll up, Roll up: Kosar and Nathan McCartney practise their circus skills

CAPTION(S):

Roll up, Roll up: Kosar and Nathan McCartney practise their circus skills The project gave kids a chance to learn traditional circus acts and perform their own show PICTURES: Jason Skarratt A pupil gets to grips with a Diablo. JS070809CIRC-4