Summer must-do: Giffords Circus
The Sunday Telegraph calls it “the nation’s most glamorous troupe”.
I can only describe it a cross between a village green circus, Britain’s Got Talent and Cirque de Soleil.
For years, those in the know religiously booked their tickets for Giffords Circus, an intimate, independent circus that mainly entertained those in the Cotswolds. The troupe has widened its reach and now travels in stylish caravans around southern England — and this year they are in London!
They’ve entertained crowds from Paris to Moscow with quirky acts – from a human cannon ball, to floating jugglers to a group of 12 dancing gymnast cousins. The whole crazy chaotic scene just makes me giggle non-stop.
It all revolves around a story. This year’s theme, “Moon Songs”, is about two Ethiopian boys who dream about an English summer (giggle). They travel to England, join the Circus and all kinds of weird things happen. A bear comes out riding a pony (snort). A clown is shot from a cannon ball and ends up on the moon. It snows in a tent. Carousel horses come to life. And it is all held together brilliantly by Tweedy the Clown. Weird. Weird. Weird. But in a very funny escapist way.
The costumes are fabulous too, with Philip Treacy haute couture hats, fish net stocking and lots of loud summers to brighten up your British summer.
I love it! Giffords Circus in now on my “must book every season” list.
IF YOU GO:
Giffords Circus The Garden, Folly Farm, Bourton-on-the-water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 3BY +44 01451 820378 giffordscircus.com All shows are priced at adults £22, children £14, with the exception of Chiswick House & Gardens which are priced at adults £25, children £15. The show is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including a 15 minute interval). Arrive half an hour before show when the doors open. Seating is unreserved. Shows by date and location. My tip: sit in the back row if you want a back rest! Also trying picnicking on the grounds.
Jennifer Howze | 4th Jul 15
We’ve been going to Giffords for years and every time it’s inventive, engaging and moving. I wouldn’t miss it and I take all my non-UK guests whenever they visit.
Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com | 27th Jun 15
Ooh, I’ll have to look out for this. I’ve never taken my two to a circus – this one sounds quite avant-garde.
Emma (@emvanstone) | 16th Jun 15
I’ve never been to a circus, we have a local one that comes every year, I must try it next year.
Emma | 15th Jun 15
This is home for me and I still have never taken the children!
Cass@frugalfamily | 15th Jun 15
That looks like a lot of fun – my two would love to see a show like this x
Mammasaurus | 15th Jun 15
Random fact of the day: I have never been to a circus! This does sound like my whacky cup of tea though!
Michelle Twin Mum | 14th Jun 15
Ohh very interesting, I love the sound of this years story as I lost my heart to all things Ethiopian. Mich x
Emma | 14th Jun 15
We went a couple of years ago, in the pouring pouring rain in Wiltshire, and it was AMAZING! The weather didn’t matter at all, it’s how every circus should actually be! Loved the vintage feel to it as well! 🙂