Bleach* Festival 2019: Sword swallower Heather Holliday comes to Gold Coast

It was just supposed to be a summer job — but an ability to swallow swords has turned into an illustrious career for this international act.

HEATHER Holliday should have a sharp tongue.

The former circus performer has made a name for herself across the world for swallowing swords — not just one but six into her oesophagus and stomach.

Ms Holliday, who will perform at the Bleach* Festival next month, started her dangerous routines as a teenager.

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Ms Holliday demonstrates one of her sword tricks. Picture: Jerad Williams

She grew up visiting the Coney Island Circus Sideshow in New York, the last traditional 10-in-one circus sideshow.

“I got a job there when I was in high school and it was supposed to be a cool summer job,” she said.

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Sword Swallower Heather Holliday with some of her six swords. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I didn’t know it was going to turn into a career.”

After a role as “skin” (an extra) Ms Holliday learnt the art of sword swallowing.

“I learned to do a lot of other things in sideshow but because I started when I was a teenager people just wanted to see the swords.

“There was really only guys doing it and here was this petite girl coming along doing swords that looked half her size.”

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Don’t try this at home. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Despite the danger, nerves weren’t a problem until group performances.

“When you add in other people to your act and they’re doing god knows what next to you while you’re trying not to die in six-inch heels, then I get a little bit nervous.”

Ms Holliday just makes sure she eats breakfast.

“If you don’t eat it doesn’t even go in all the way. It can stick out and I can feel it in the lining of my stomach because I haven’t stretched my stomach yet.”

Ms Holliday will perform in Limbo Unhinged at Spiegeltent as part of the Bleach* Festival from April 17 to May 12.