Show People of North Staffordshire
The Showpeople of North Staffordshire Exhibition is open!
Appetite has supported the Philip Astley Project to deliver ‘Show People of North Staffordshire‘ and are excited to host the exhibition within their Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire Newcastle Common High Street space.
‘Show People of North Staffordshire’ is a project that has recorded stories of fairground and circus Showmen, families and workers in the area over the past few months. Members of the community were asked for their memories too and a photographer captured portraits of the families and workers, alongside current circus and fairgrounds in the area.
The Show People exhibition shares some of the stories and photographs that have been captured as part of the project. It includes a number of oral history interviews that can be listened to, a map showing current and past circus and fairground sites, related photographs and objects.
Access
Show People Exhibition is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Friday 30 June to Saturday 26 August from 11am to 3pm and is FREE to attend.
The exhibition is on one level with a slight step into the space. A ramp is available for wheelchair users.
Please note we do not have any toilets within our space. The closest public toilets are at Newcastle Library which includes a Changing Places accessible toilet.
The closest car park is on Ryecroft.
The project is funded by Historic England’s ‘Everyday Heritage Grants: Celebrating Working Class History.
Film Programme
A free film programme is taking place in the exhibition space once a week. All talks are 45mins with time for questions and chat at the end. The films are kindly provided by Staffordshire Film Archive.
Friday 30 June 2pm | Philip Astley – the original Greatest Showman – how invented and ran his famous Circus and Amphitheatre |
Thursday 6 July 11am | Vintage Circus – some classic moments in Circus history caught on film over the past Century |
Friday 14 July 2pm | Fairgrounds on Film – all the fun of the fair and behind the scenes of fairgrounds over the past Century. |
Thursday 20 July 11am | North Staffordshire on Holiday – holiday films from local people over the years featuring North Wales and Blackpool. |
Friday 28 July 2pm | Jacob Decastro – the Clown in Astley’s company – his own story from his book about working with Philip Astley. |
Thursday 3 August 11am | Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show – original films from over 100 years ago when he toured the UK from his base here in North Staffordshire. |
Friday 11 August 2pm | The Heyday of the Big Circuses – colourful films of “The Greatest Show on Earth” from a range of famous circus families. |
Thursday 17 August 11am | Andrew Ducrow – equestrian star. The most famous performer to come from Astley’s original company. |
Friday 25 August 2pm | The Van Buren Story – the UK’s largest illusion act. This film history of the Van Burens’ career is hosted by Andrew Van Buren himself |
Updates can be found at: The Philip Astley Project Facebook Page & on Twitter also on both the Philip Astley Project website: www.philipastley.org.uk and Appetite website