SOME of the best street performers in the world will gather in Fremantle over Easter for the city’s International Street Arts Festival.

Curator Brendan Coleman says he has lined up some great acts for this year’s event, including the award-winning ‘King of Chinese Acrobats’ Cho Kairin.

“I’ve had the chance to travel and scout some international street arts festivals in France and also Japan,” Mr Coleman says.

“I’ve got a whole crop of performers making their Australian debuts.

“Cho Karin, who’s a fourth generation Chinese acrobat, has a statue of his grandfather in his home town.

“This is the most elite of the elite. To see it in a street context is pretty amazing.”

The International Street Arts Festival runs from April 19-22, features more than 20 international acts, and is expected to attract about 100,000 people. 

The event will also include lots of local acts like acrobatic troupe Cutting Teeth, who will make their festival debut.

CT’s Tim Simpson says their show is about the transition from childhood to adulthood.

“It’s all things associated with the coming of age and the difficulties in your life,” he says.

“It’s about cutting your teeth on something new.

“We’ve tried to incorporate lots of things from our own lives–struggles we’ve had or experiences we’ve enjoyed.”

The International Street Arts Festival, now in its 21st year, is a free event where you can potter around, grab a bite to eat and catch a few acts. 

For more information go to the website http://www.streetartsfestival.com.au

by CHARLIE BRAY