The festival brings together circus troupes from around the country to meet, network and perform over several days.

It was last held in 2014 and, although scheduled to be held every two years, did not appear on the 2016 calendar.

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre manager Stephen Champion said the organisers felt it was necessary to take a break to assess the festival’s future.

“It takes a lot of work to put it together and we just had to have a break to think about it,” he said. 

The festival attracted more than 150 young participants and their families in 2014, along with 30 professional circus performers.

They took part in workshops, forums and performances right across the city, including a night-time showcase by the Macquarie River. 

Mr Champion said there was still a lot of planning to be done in the coming months, but the festival would be held from April 18 to 22 next year.

It will be supported by Bathurst Regional Council and again bring professional circus performers to the city.

“We’re just negotiating who we will be able to bring here in that area and what the program schedule will be,” Mr Champion said. 

He said it was good to bring the event back to the city and give young people the opportunity to connect with each other.

“Young people who aren’t employed yet, they are not in the position, generally, to connect with their peers around the country and that is the opportunity this festival presents,” Mr Champion said.

“It is particularly important here in regional and remote areas, which is why it is good that it is held here and not in a capital city.” 

Registrations for Catapult will be available from November. 

To find out more about the festival, visit www.bmec.com.au/bmec-programs/catapult-festival.