Reflections on our Circus Streets Pilot

Firstly I want to say a massive thank-you to everyone who came out to celebrate circus in the streets and public spaces of Bristol last weekend. Thank-you also to the incredible artists who made the event what it was, thank-you for braving the showers on Saturday, basking in the sunshine Sunday and bringing skilful, joyful and unexpected experiences to us all.

Some of my favourite moments were watching Phoebe Baker and Poppy Plowman walk into the golden setting sun across the high-wire together, Darryl Carrington’s plunger action!, Harvey Stinton teetering on his rola-bola, leaning on the head of an agreeable audience member while chattering away – circled by a large, enthusiastic crowd on the Broadmead Podium.

The first performance of Waiting Song, watching Sarah Jeneway singing standing tall, metres in the air, was also particularly resonant for me. Shopping on pause. The roof behind her like a cathedral of glass. Especially in times of turbulence and instability, I like the reminder that we can find moments for joy and peace and breathe in the chaos.

We are not waiting any more For all the good things in store
I’m looking at the joy of knowing what to do
I am breathing in this dance And exhaling through my bones
I’m loving all the joy that follows from the change

– The Waiting Song

Last weekend really brought home for Circus City what potential and appetite Bristol has for a circus festival in public space and for performance that is ambitious, relaxed, social and not costly to experience. We will be digesting our learning over the next few months and dreaming up what’s next. Enjoy the photos and video below!

Circus Streets took place on the 19th and 20th September and was a pilot project supported by Arts Council England, Arts Society, Bristol BID and Hammerson. It built on our research at Bristol Harbour Festival and was curated and delivered in collaboration with Bristol’s unusual juggling company, Tit for Tat.