Did you know that the first ever circus was born in Britain 250 years ago? It was 1768 and every circus, anywhere, began at that moment.
Philip Astley, who was born in 1742, was the father of the modern circus. He owned horses and loved to do acrobatics on them. One day in 1768 he simply drew out a ring in a corner on the southern side of Westminster Bridge in London and filled it with astonishing acts – tumblers, horses, acrobats, jugglers, clowns. Astley's wife Patty beat a big drum and that provided the music that attracted the crowds. Soon huge crowds gathered to watch all the tricks. One of Patty's best known tricks involved circling the ring on horseback with swarms of bees covering her hands and arms like a muff. That's how the first circus was born. Every circus, anywhere in the world, began at that moment.
The anniversary of this most popular, Made-In-Britan art and entertainment form will be marked in 2018 by UK - wide celebrations. Museums, filmmakers, designers, theatres, orchestras, schools, library and circuses will all join in. The circus will be celebrated everywhere.
These six Cities of Circus - Blackpool, Norwich, Bristol, London, Belfast and Derry and Newcastle - will glitter with dazzling shows, amazing exhibitions, remarkable festivals and breathtaking events. Make sure you join in the fun !
- By Bridget