Reptiles and human pretzels hit the streets

When swallowing swords, balloons, and fire is part of the day job, then a bit of rain ain’t going to bother you.

Thousands of people braved more bad weather yesterday to see some of the world’s top street performers in action on the final day of the world street performing championships in Cork’s Fitzgerald’s Park.

Self-confessed professional freak, Erik “The Lizardman” Sprague, who has spent 700 hours and an estimated $250,000 (€203,900) to look like a reptile, made his world debut as a street performer. “Spent a great first day as a street performer. Learned some subtleties and getting decent hats,” he said on his Twitter account.

Tattooed green, he has split his tongue to mimic that of a reptile, has had sub-dermal implants inserted above his eyes to form horned ridges, and has even filed four of his teeth into sharp fangs.

Festival-goers said he spent lots of time mingling with people afterwards.

Among the other hit attractions were piano juggler Dan Menendez, who played the bounce piano, and Jonathan Burns, AKA the Human Pretzel, who squeezed himself through a toilet seat. Organisers expanded this year’s event and included new attractions including The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) Zone.

Lord Mayor John Buttimer was one of the first people to brave the zip-wire over the park’s central lake feature.

There was also a Spin the Wheel of Misfortune attraction where kids got to put their parents in stocks and batter them with soggy sponges.

The Laya Healthcare-sponsored event moves to Merrion Square, Dublin, next weekend.

* www.spwc.ie