Homecoming by Night, held on Saturday 30th June 2018, was a fantastic summer event that brought circus acts to the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme, in celebration of Philip Astley, the father of the modern circus. Homecoming is a popular annual event in Newcastle-under-Lyme which is managed by The Business Improvement District in conjunction with Appetite. This year The Philip Astley project extended the fun into the evening seeing pop-up performances throughout town centre venues. This aimed to reach the 18-30 age group and was successful in engaging with audiences both already attending the venues and those encouraged into the town centre specifically to see the performances.
The performers included Arji Manuelpillai, who presented one-minute bespoke poems and raps, encouraging audience participation, and wowing people with his off-the-cuff rhymes based on his audiences likes and interests. Arron Sparks, a three times world record holder, whose show Down Up was an enthralling mix of storytelling and yo-yoing. PUB by Molly Orange, had audiences amazed with their slapstick style bar room tricks. Finally, Matt Pang, with his show Long Shot whose nonverbal clowning and interesting contraptions had audiences both laughing and ducking for cover.
The event reached an audience that potentially may not have been to other Philip Astley Project events such as the exhibitions and talks. The reception of the performers throughout the pubs and bars of Newcastle-under-Lyme was wholly positive, people enjoyed themselves and learnt something about their local heritage. A big thank you to Cappello Lounge, The Kiln, Yates, Bar Social who made it possible for the shows to take place in their venues.
