The Big Top

In 1768, on an abandoned patch of land near London’s Waterloo, showman, entrepreneur and equestrian rider Philip Astley drew out a circle in the ground, filled it with astounding physical acts – jugglers, acrobats, clowns, strong men and bareback riders and what we now know as “circus” was born. This spring, as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the invention of this art-form, the Circus Garden will transform a small park tucked away behind Clapham Junction into a circus mecca. Over the first fortnight of May, as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe, Shillington Park in SW11 will be temporarily renamed Battersea Circus Garden and play home to a pop up venue, The Big Top which itself will host a cornucopia of circus entertainment. In a programme that offers a variety of shows including international acrobatic troupes, award winning contemporary circus, dance, physical theatre and experimental work, evocative cabaret and plenty of family friendly entertainment, Battersea Circus Garden will present a vision for circus in the here and now, as a vibrant celebration of this thrilling art-form

This event takes place at Battersea Circus Garden, Shillington Park, 169 Este Road, SW11 2TT. Part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe