Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town and you are all invited!
So hopefully if you are on this page, you haven’t already been put off by the word circus. I know some of you will not have the best image in your head and are probably thinking why is she suggesting we go to the circus.
Well this isn’t any odd circus, this is Giffords Circus.
Giffords Circus is a wonderful, dreamlike theatre production than how you may picture a circus rolling into town. With its old school circus tent, beautifully painted carriages, and majestic horses you will feel you have stepped back in time or in the film, The Greatest Showman. It truly is magical and so so special. Even before the actual show has started at the big top, there is a show waiting outside for you, from the music playing while you are queue, kids running around with candy floss, and circus girls walking around in amazing outfits. You instantly feel like you have been swept away to a different world just while you wait.
Every year they get new acts to perform from around the world, from acrobatics, aerial hoop acts, horses performing and clowns – not you usual creepy clown, this is a hilarious, crying from laughter, belly, and cheeks hurting clown – and even chickens and sausage dogs have been known to perform too!
They change the theme each year so there is always a new colourful set, hand made costumes, and fantastic live music to enjoy. Check out their website for more inspiration and the beautiful artwork, and Emma Bridgewater crockery will tell you, this isn’t your ordinary Circus.
Ever since we first attended, it has held a great place in mine and my family’s heart and it’s become a beautiful tradition to all go on a sunny afternoon in August and watch them perform on Minchinhampton Common. We aren’t alone in this either, they always sell out, and have even had to buy a bigger tent and add more locations and dates to accommodate everyone. The crowd is always full and is a mix of ages from babies to 80-year-olds, so it really is something all generations can enjoy.
They have amazing food for you to have before, during, and after. From popcorn, sweets and candy floss or homemade wood-fired pizzas, pulled pork baps, and loaded fries. If you fancy something a bit more special then the Circus Sauce is for you, it’s a unique 60-seat restaurant that follows the circus around to each location and is housed in two of the beautiful showman’s wagons. They provide a 3-course meal in the evening after the last show with all locally sourced food and some entertainment.
However, this year, as you can imagine with Covid-19, our yearly plan of attending this show was put on hold. I can’t lie, I was absolutely gutted, as were so many other people, although, being Gifford Circus, they didn’t let a worldwide pandemic stand in their way. They created The Feast!
The Feast is a dining experience like no other in the world, you could choose between a 3-course meal for either lunch, afternoon tea or dinner and all food was provided by the brilliant Circus Sauce team. While you eat these tasty treats you also get to watch the incredible show.
This year they had some new acts of extreme roller skaters and the classics on Lil Rice singing and performing her Cyr wheel act and of course Tweedy the Clown. All acts are outstanding and the talent is always amazing, you really won’t be disappointed. Especially this year when many events and wonderful things we all had planned have been canceled, this is something you can go and watch, completely relax and have fun. When else might you get to eat afternoon tea in a circus tent while watching some of the greatest performers from around the world!
If there is one thing I can ask from you for this whole entire blog, is to promise me you will go once and watch them. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed and will just be annoyed you didn’t know about this show sooner!! Gifford Circus fever is real and once you have been once you will catch it!
Peculiar article, exactly what I wanted to find.