What better way to celebrate 250 years of big top fun than at Circus Wonderland.
Chantry Park hosts roller-skaters, bungee jumpers, aerialists and jugglers. Award-winning clowns Kakehole and Popol will also be causing chaos.
Paul Carpenter, aka Popol, says the anniversary will be a big boost for the UK circus industry.
“It’s our most exciting form of live entertainment. You’re on the edge of your seat as you never quite know what’s going to happen. We should be very proud the worldwide phenomenon of the circus started in England, one of our greatest inventions.”
The modern circus was born in London in 1768. It was founded by trick rider Phillip Astley, regarded as the father of the medium.
He roped off a circle on a piece of waste ground near Westminster Bridge to perform his equestrian skills, adding clowns, acrobats and strongmen in between the horse displays. This new form of entertainment quickly spread throughout Europe and across the world.
Enjoy thrills, spills and comedy from May 23-May 28. Shows are Wednesday, 6pm; Thursday and Friday, 4.30pm and 7.30pm; Saturday at noon, 3pm and 6pm; Sunday at noon and 3pm, and bank holiday Monday at 2pm. More info at www.circuswonderland.com
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