For the last six years its spellbinding circus and street art stars have captivated delighted audiences throughout Great Yarmouth.

But when the five-day Out There Festival returns to the resort next week it will be bringing an added extra for those that work behind scenes, by launching a new attraction that will help further cement Norfolk's place on the UK's circus map.

For the first time in its seven year history, festival organiser, Sea Change Arts are hosting a circus and street arts symposium for the promoters, producers, programmers and performers that help Out There - and events like it - go off with a high flying bang.

A host of top speakers from the circus world will be attending the two day symposium, which will give artists the chance to network, share ideas and discuss issues surrounding the industry.

It will also act as a further chance to showcase Yarmouth's performance heritage as delegates will be taken on a tour of the town's seaside highlights, which will include a show at the Hippodrome and a game of crazy golf.

Darren Cross, Seachange communications director, said the group had been 'striving' to host such an event as part of its work to establish Yarmouth as the circus capital of the UK.

'We saw it as an opportunity to really build a major UK event because at the moment there's not really anything nationally, that brings together the circus and street art sectors professionally to discuss these kind of issues,' he added.

'Using our international connections we're really bringing together some of the continents leading promoters and producers as well as showing off Norfolk and Yarmouth.'

The symposium's appeal has exceeded expectations with 90 delegates, from as far as Italy, Estonia and Portugal as well as from across the UK, signing up to take part.

And with 50 acts travelling from across the globe to take part in Out There, the extravaganza is really bringing the international circus world to town.

Mr Cross said: 'We're delighted because the symposium is promising to be quite an exciting event and will hopefully lead to a lot of new, exciting partnerships and that's one of the key things.

'Everything Out There is to build on the partnerships projects that we work on throughout the year. It's something we're constantly striving for in order to continue the growth and success of the festival.'

? Out There starts next Wednesday, September 17 and runs until September 21. For a full line up and more information visit www.outtherefestival.com