Announcing the Circus City 2025 wrap-around events
One of the delights of Circus City is its multiplicity – the many ways to get involved and the myriad of Bristol spaces and organisations that join in on the celebration. Our wrap-around events are a way to immerse yourself in the contemporary circus scene, local and international and see this artform from a new perspective, be it through film, photography, a workshop or a conversation with an artist or fellow audience member. Be adventurous.
Circus & Film: International short film showcase
Thursday 9th October 6pm and at various times throughout the month.
Join us to celebrate the opening of Circus City 2025 with a screening of 7 short circus films from across the world in Millennium Square. Dedicated to experimental circus forms and film-making approaches, these shorts, featuring acrobats, dancers and aerialists often floating at lofty heights, bring fresh perspectives to human relationships and wild and urban landscapes.
The Extraordinary – Circus Portraits // Guy Bellingham (UK)
Exhibition Corridor, Bristol Central Library from Friday 10th-30th October.
Guy Bellingham has spent the last three decades performing in circus and cabaret. Over the past five years he has taken hundreds of portraits of fellow circus artists that he’s met along the way. Using a huge 8×10 bellows camera and the mercurial wet plate collodion process he has captured; aerialists, knife-throwers, clowns, jugglers, sideshow artists and performers of all kinds.
This exhibition is a rare chance to see a selection of prints featuring Bristol circus artists from this award winning project.
Juggling Workshop with Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala
Graffiti Room, Trinity Centre. Sat 25th October 10-12pm
Experience juggling Gandini style! Join Gandini for a masterclass in their juggling techniques and exercises and learn about the process of this world-leading company. This workshop is designed to be open to both beginner and professional jugglers. Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
Post show discussion – Elise Reine The Shedding
Arnolfini Auditorium, Thursday 16th October 7:30pm show / 8:30pm Q&A
Stick around after watching The Shedding to take part or listen to discussion about objectification, feminism, circus and more with artist and researcher Elise Reine. The Shedding combines trapeze, contortion, performance art and power ballad, to explore dehumanisation and popular culture’s obsession with the ‘pretty dead girl’ trope.
Post show discussion – Alta Gama Mentir lo Minimo
Malcolm X Centre, Saturday 18th October 4:45pm show / 5:45pm Q&A
Grab a soft drink and join us for a platform with the Alta Gama artists, where they answer your questions and discuss their creative process and the inspiration behind this show about body image, self acceptance and minimalism.
We also have a programme of activities designed specifically for local and visiting circus professionals:
Friday 10th October, Trinity Centre 1-3pm
Three artists pitch their new research projects for touring to rural and unconventional spaces. With feedback and discussion.
Circomedia Portland Square & Artist Residence, Saturday 11th October 10-4pm
Come help shape the future of UK circus education, advocacy and more.
Performance Masterclass with My!Laika
Circomedia South Wing, Sunday 12th October 10-4pm
Join My!Laika artists Julie Bergez and Elise Reine for a workshop exploring techniques and exercises to develop stage presence, distort your discipline to serve the scene and delve into your artistic essence with delicacy and humour.
Workshop in Creative Listening and Self-Care with Ziggy Slingsby
The Albany Centre, Sunday 26th October 1-4pm
A workshop for circus performers and movers of all disciplines. Exploring listening to yourself and how you feel, as a starting point for movement, expression and play.
The Library Room, Artist Residence, 24th October 2-4:30pm
Producer surgeries are back! Book a slot to come and have an informal 30 minute chat with a circus city producer. Be you an artist or producer yourself, bring anything with you that you’d like to share or talk about and we will bring tea, biscuits and enthusiasm.
Slots are 30 minutes and start at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm with 3 slots available at each time.
The Library Room, Artist Residence, 23rd October 5-6:30pm
A space for Bristol producers to network, share joy and challenge and build links and solidarity. Join us for a drink and a chat. Afterwards we will be heading over to Circomedia for VOLT at 7:30pm.