2018 marks a very special year for acrobats, clowns, jugglers and ringmasters everywhere - it’s 250 years since the circus was first born, right here in the UK! And as World Circus Day takes place on April 21st, we take a look at how UK acts sparked a global movement.
To celebrate the special 250th anniversary, circuses are travelling up and down the country to take their acts to more people than ever before. And combining amazing vintage and contemporary-style acts, from fire-eating to laser light shows, circuses offer a family-friendly, affordable day out for everyone.
The daring Dea Birkett, ringmaster from Circus250, tells Whats On & Where To Go magazine exactly why this year is so important for Big Tops, saying, “I am a former artiste from a traditional circus, so the date 1768 is embedded in me. Everyone who has toured in a trailer with a big top knows that 1768 was the founding date for the very first circus.
“That April, 250 years ago this year, showman, entrepreneur and equestrian rider Philip Astley gathered together a series of astounding physical acts – jugglers, acrobats, clowns, strong men, bareback riders – and, on an abandoned patch of land in London’s Waterloo, drew out a ring. This was the world's very first circus. Every circus, anywhere in the world, began at this moment in 1768.
“What lots of people don’t know is that his wife Patty worked alongside him. An astounding trick rider, her act was to ride around the ring smothered in a swarm of bees.
“Inspired by Philip Astley and the enthusiasm of the traditional circus community, I approached contemporary circuses who were keen to come on board to celebrate in 2018. Within a few weeks, we realised that this was going to one of the greatest shows on Earth. Circus250 was born – co–ordinating all the wonderful UK- and Ireland-wide events celebrating this fabulous born-in-Britain art form.”
Dea explains what circuses are doing to celebrate the 250th anniversary, adding, “There are lots and lots of circuses, old and new. But now as well as shows there are activities happening in all sorts of places.
“Museums all over the country are taking part, from the science of circus at the Science Museum in London, to V&A’s nationwide displays, to exhibitions on Women in Circus at Sheffield Museums.
“Literary festivals are including a thread on books from Angela Carter’s Nights at the Circus to Costa Award-winner Katherine Rundell’s books for children.
'Circus250 is coming to you!'
“Film festivals are showing circus films; archives are pulling old posters and photographs of travelling circuses out of their archives. Circus influences everything, from the films you watch to the books you read. You will find circus everywhere this 250th anniversary year!”
And Dea describes how Circus250, as a group of acts, are touring the UK. She adds, “Circus250 is coming to you. After all, circus was the original pop-up, arriving on your village green. 
“Our caravan is travelling the country – a working 1970s 11ft-long circus artiste’s home. Come inside and see what it’s like to live in such a confined place and perform in such a large one. Listen to the stories of performers' lives in this intimate space. Look out for the giant Circus250 logo, designed by Sir Peter Blake (the artist behind the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band sleeve).”
Long gone are the days of animal acts and a complete ban on circuses using animals is coming into force in 2020. A vast majority of circuses are animal-free and instead the modern circus is filled with acts showing their amazing acrobatic skills, comic timing and, of course, mind-blowing costume designs.
A founder member and ringmaster of The Invisible Circus, Doug Francisco is known for his pioneering conceptual work and his magnetism in the ring. He is also a formidable character actor, bringing charisma, depth, showmanship and mischief to a kaleidoscopic spectrum of circus, theatre and film productions.
With his creative roots in music and painting, he found his natural calling in performance shortly after the Invisible Circus was born into the creative explosion of early 90’s festival and rave culture.
Doug tells us, “The Invisible Circus started out as a street performing troupe in the early 90's travelling the carnivals and festivals of Europe, before returning to the UK in 2000 to begin working in site-specific projects – as well as festival stages and big tops. Our ethos of inclusivity and sharing what we have remains a core part of the company's identity and practice.”
Doug says his troupe have plenty of events running during the 250th anniversary year, adding, “We are promoting our street performance festival Weekend of Wonders and creating a new show reflecting on our own origins and engagement with the movement of Circus called The Renegade Fabulon.
“We have consolidated these two projects to be able to run alongside each other and promote our future activities through engagement with events and communities outside of our home territory of Bristol. 
“We are also producing the Old Town area of Boomtown Fair in Hampshire again this year, as well as a new spectacle show in the Paradise Heights district.”
Within Bristol, Doug is in negotiations for possible larger-scale sites in the city to stage some collaborative celebrations for the 250th anniversary – so watch this space if you live in the area.
Doug adds, “We’re also promoting an ongoing programme of events at our underground arts venue Loco Klub in Temple Meads, and continuing to facilitate the development of new work at our Creation Space Unit 15.”
The sensational Salvatore Sambito, of Circus Sallai, told us about the newly-formed band of performers who are celebrating in 2018 by bringing together award-winning acts under their travelling Big Top.
Salvatore says, “It is a very important year for the circus which is a worldwide celebration. But the most important thing is that it has been invented here in Great Britain.
“We provide top-quality entertainment consisting of award-winning international artists.
“Our cast of acrobats, aerial performers, jugglers, clowns, magicians, stunt riders and many more are waiting to bring you excitement, joy, laughter and thrills to the towns and cities of Great Britain.
“We want you to leave the ordinary day behind and come along to witness an extraordinary, simply spectacular experience, in our magical world with beautiful lighting, fantastic music and fabulous costumes.
“This really is an event with something for everyone, if you’re a petrolhead, theatre-goer, thrill-seeker or wanting to see one of the greatest shows of its time, make sure to get your tickets fast!
“Our show runs for approximately two hours and is housed in the UK’s one-of-its-kind foyers and Big Top, which is climate-controlled and features theatre-style seating.”
Credit: outdoor photos - Pete Maclaine
For all that’s happening to celebrate the 250th anniversary in UK and Ireland, click here.