As well as boasting award-winning beaches, Sarasota has been dubbed as Florida's 'Cultural Coast'. Every October, art enthusiasts from around the globe flock to the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) to be wowed with an eclectic mix of international performances.

“I am especially excited and proud of this year's festival featuring diverse, vibrant and accessible performances” said Steven High, Ringling Executive Director. 

There is something for everyone this October 15-18, with an exciting agenda of contemporary dance, jazz, puppetry, world music, nouveau cirque and even sci-fi fantasy. All hosted in the 66 acre Ringling Estate overlooking the bay.

Performances include: Tangram; an intriguing act from Berlin featuring ballerina Cristiana Casadio and circus artist Stefan Sing. The Intergalactic Nemesis, Book One: Target Earth; a one of a kind theatrical mash-up of radio drama and graphic novel. The Table; an astonishing puppetry display brought to Sarasota from Blind Summit Theatre in London, to name a few!

As well as a vibrant selection of international theatrical and musical performances, the festival boasts nightly Jazz Sunsets on the Bay and the spectacular opening night performance featuring Bolero Sarasota; a chorographical event by Larry Keigwin inspired by Maurice Ravel's score, with more than 50 local performers in a tribute to the festival's host city. 

Tickets range from £10 to £20, excluding Opening Night. For more information or to book tickets visit www.ringling.org.

Seven nights at The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota costs from £1,340 per person based on two people sharing a double room on a room only basis. This includes return flights from Gatwick to Tampa on British Airways and car hire. Based on travel departing in October. For more information please contact 020 8742 8299 or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

-ENDS-

Sarasota County is located on the West Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Tampa and just one and half hour's drive from Orlando. The area has beautiful, white sand beaches, wildlife and a string of unspoilt natural islands, comprising what many refer to as 'hidden Florida'. For further information on Visit Sarasota County visit www.visitsarasota.org.

For further press information contact Claire Barrett at Gosh PR on 020 7367 6745 or email claire@goshpr.co.uk