THE cracking of whips will echo across Cumnock when world-renowned entertainer Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs returns with his high-energy show next month.
The five-time Guinness World Record holder will take over Cumnock Showgrounds for a free night of whip cracking, fire and music.
And with more than 300 people turning out for his last Cumnock performance, despite the rain, organisers are expecting another big crowd.
Event organiser Cassandra Roberts said she had witnessed Wippy many years before, in the Northern Territory, where he’s based.
“We actually went in thinking, ‘All right, whip cracking. Seriously, we’ve seen it. How exciting can this be?’” she said about a performance she saw years ago in the Northern Territory.
“But we went in with an open mind and we left absolutely amazed. He is incredible.”
Whippy has spent more than a decade touring Australia and overseas, combining whip cracking with Australian humour and plenty of audience participation.
His list of achievements is impressive, including cracking 359 times in one minute with a single whip and 697 times in one minute using two whips. He also holds records involving a 100-metre whip.
Ms Roberts said it’s the interaction with the crowd that makes his shows so memorable, with children often invited to get involved during performances.
“He gets the kids up having a go, and it’s just a fun, fun night out. Great for all ages,” she said. “He’s got some great banter as well.”
The show itself is free, with Whippy passing his hat around at the end of the performance for donations.
Merchandise including whips, hats and stubby holders will be available for purchase.
The Cumnock Show Society will operate the bar on the night, while the Cumnock Village Preschool will run the barbecue as a fundraiser.
For anyone who wants to travel to Cumnock for the event, camping will be available at the showgrounds for $20 a night.
And if the last performance is anything to go off, the sound of cracking whips won’t end when the show does.
After his previous visit, children who bought whips were soon practising their new skills around the showground and Ms Roberts said the sound could be heard around Cumnock for weeks afterwards.
The show begins at 6.30pm on Saturday 26 September, at the Cumnock Showgrounds.
There are no tickets or bookings required, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own chairs.
