CELEBRATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIRCUS
GIFFORDS CIRCUS
Giffords Circus has been touring with its 2018 show My Beautiful Circus this summer. Catch it at the following places: Minchinhampton, 16th-28th Aug Marlborough, 31st Aug -10th Sept Cirencester, 13th-24th Sept Stroud, 27th-30th Sept 0845 459 7469; giffordscircus.com
CELEBRATING SANGER
Newbury in Berkshire commemorates the life and times of circus master ‘Lord’ George Sanger, who was born in the town, with an exhibition of his life and the world of Victorian performers, travelling fairs and British circuses past and present. At the Corn Exchange, Newbury until 2nd September. 0845 521 8218 cornexchangenew.com
THE EXPLODED CIRCUS
The Exploded Circus finishes its latest tour at Lancaster Arts on 23rd-25th November. Performed by a female-led cast, you’re invited to step inside the moment where an explosion has been frozen in time, the remnants of a big top caught mid-air – with circus ring, sequins and horses suspended above ground.
theexplodedcircus.co.uk
LULU: THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD
Artist and writer Heather Tweed explores the intriguing secret life of the fearless and agile 19th-century acrobat Lulu Farini, unveiling her surprising true story in this new exhibition at Christmas Steps Gallery in Bristol from 11th-16th September.
heathertweed.net; christmasstepsgallery.co.uk
THE DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & TEXTILES FAIR
This regular fair, held three times a year in London’s Battersea Park, is all about eye-catching, statement antiques that are rare and unusual. It is a good place to look for circus pieces. The autumn fair takes place 2nd-7th October.
020 7616 9327; decorativefair.com