This was MAD26!
Four days of circus, sunshine (and a few showers), celebrations and socialising. MAD Festival 2026 has come to an end, and what an edition it was! 15,000 people found their way to Asiadok, the Oude Badhuis, Park Spoor Noord, SPRK and, for the first time, the Arenberg. 120 artists from 15 countries presented 15 circus productions, more than 60 shows and a whole lot of spectacular and breathtaking moments. Whether free or with a ticket: the audience was there, and how.
From intimate theatre moments to open-air spectacles that brought the neighbourhood to a halt, the audience was treated to 1 avant-première, 3 premieres and 1 dernière. Alongside all that circus madness, there were also 2 live concerts and 3 parties featuring the craziest entertainment.
Backstage, more than 350 people were involved: from volunteers, stagehands and working students to caterers and photographers. As is tradition, nobody performs just one role during MAD. The technician is also a performer, the student becomes a stagehand, and the trainer takes to the stage themselves in the evening.
In addition, 360 young people from 8 countries came together for three days at the MAD Convention. 150 workshops, 30 disciplines, 80 trainers: pure energy from early morning until late at night.
MAD is not just a festival for the public. More than 100 circus professionals from 11 countries came to Antwerp for the professional programme. To scout performances, exchange ideas and reflect together on the future of contemporary circus.
MAD Festival is not a one-off event; it is the visible tip of an iceberg that is constantly on the move throughout the year: residencies, collaborations, networking and new creations. The ecosystem of contemporary circus is buzzing, and Antwerp is right at the heart of it.
Thank you to everyone who was there. Whether as an artist, volunteer, staff member, trainer or simply as a curious festival-goer. We look forward to seeing you again next year from 8 to 11 April 2027.