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The second has returned to the , and promises more of the colourful combination of fun, comedic and bizarre acts that audiences enjoyed in 2009.

The Touch Trust at the 2010 Blysh Festival at the Wales Millennium Centre

The festival kicked off this afternoon by the with further events today set to include Le Navet Bête (or The Daft Turnip), six young men who create and perform their ode to the artistry of buffoonery and dark clowning - pictured below right, who will perform their act Zemblanity - plus comedy featuring Noel James, Juliette Meyers and Dan Bland.

The main festival runs until Sunday 25 July, while Swedish company Cirkus Cirkör will carry on the circus entertainment at the Millennium Centre from 12-15 August.

There's a whole host of acts on this year's line-up including local talent NoFit State Circus and theatrical circus and dance group Citrus Arts; musical duo Bourgeois & Maurice (described as part cabaret, part-theatre and part-catwalk freak - one for the adult audience); acrobat trio Mimbre and magic tricks from Piff the Magic Dragon.

Welsh Independent Dance will put on their new graduate showcase and WOW! On The Waterfront returns as part of the , featuring carnival troupe SWICA and Spanish aerial company Grupo Puja.

Musical entertainment will feature the likes of Top Shelf Jazz, Gideon Conn, Melo Park and The Morning Orchestra.

While the festival has a naughtier side, with some events including the Secret Carnival's Day of the Dead fancy dress party being restricted to over 18s only, the festival is family friendly during the day - with lots of free performances, events and workshops happening in and around the centre.

There's also a chance to take part in a new audio theatre journey, in your local supermarket, in which you become immersed in a magical world in a familiar setting - a collaboration between the Wales Millennium Centre and . .

Visit the for a full list of events for the Blysh Festival, and let us know if you are planning to attend.

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