The Philip Astley Project collaborate to celebrate the life of circus creator Philip Astley.
Staffordshire University is now collaborating with a number of local organisations under the banner of The Philip Astley Project to celebrate the life of ‘the father of the modern day circus’, Philip Astley.
The Philip Astley Project comprises The Van Buren Organisation, The New Vic Theatre, Appetite, Staffordshire Film Archive, Brampton Museum, Friends of Brampton Museum, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society, Newcastle BID and Newcastle-under-Lyme College plus a number of local key figures.
The Philip Astley Project has already been awarded a National Lottery grant of £167,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to commemorate the achievements of Astley, who was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, on 8th January 1742.
Future plans already discussed by the Philip Astley Project committee include creating new events, exhibitions, an annual circus festival and eventually a Circus Arts Hub of Learning. A place to not only learn the history of Philip Astley and his legacy, but also a place to learn circus skills.
The hope is that not only will this raise the profile of Philip Astley but also bring new interest and regeneration into Philip Astley’s Birthplace of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
