Street performers gather for World Championships in Dublin

Some of the world’s most original street acts gather in Dublin today for the Street Performance World Championships.

Ten competitors from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, France, Sweden, Portugal and Ireland will try to impress the judges during 40 free shows in Merrion Square.

Acts will include the Space Cowboy, who juggles fire and knives on a 10-foot unicycle while blindfolded and only using one foot and the eccentric Canadian Mike Wood, who will catch catapulted cabbages on a spike on his head.

The Piano Juggler, meanwhile, will play classical music on a piano using juggling balls instead of fingers.

The winner will be selected by the panel of judges tomorrow evening.

A spokesperson for the event said: "Dublin is long famous for its tradition of street entertainment and this weekend it is providing a public celebration of this unique and beautiful art form for the first time."

The Championships are supported by Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland, FM104, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Arts Council.