When I had to go into Edinburgh to collect something the High Street was still open for delivery vans so it was too early to see the usual street performers.  But there was a gruesome snake man who appeared to be floating beside his horse-like creature.  It seems strange how he and other similar “living statues” can appear to sit on thin air defying the laws of physics.  Apparently the trick involves strategic positioning of steel rods and plates.  A cover is usually placed on the ground to hide a heavy steel plate with the long sleeves or baggy clothing obscuring the shaft and seat. Sometimes one man seems to hold up another with the support of a stick but using a similar stable support.
Extra; a rant.  The bus was crowded and a group of nursery children ended up sitting on the floor in the wheelchair space.  However in front of me a fairly large dog reclined on the seat beside his owner.  People were too polite to ask if the dog could sit on the floor to allow someone to sit down. Then he sat up and rested his head on the shoulder of the lady in front.  “He’s only being friendly” The lady was not happy.  Shortly afterwards, instead of allowing the dog to walk, the owner carried the dog off before allowing it to walk and two people were able to sit in the vacated seats.