Regular talks and lectures are held within the Philip Astley Centre and can be brought into your venue. Covering a great range of related subjects from circus to fairground, performance in the ring to the history of fairground artwork, life stories and more, some of which are available to bring into your venue too.

Philip Astley Projects CIC talks and lectures provide the opportunity to meet the people who have lived the lives and hear the stories from the performers, circus proprietors, artists and historians themselves. A true glimpse of behind the scenes.

Popular talks have included the Philip Astley Story, Philip Astley and Me – the journey to resurrect Philip Astley’s hometown, The Van Buren Story, Andrew Van Buren’s My Magic Life, Victorian Fairground, History of Fairground Art, Paradise of the Potteries – the story of Clough Hall, Carol Gandey’s Business Behind Circus and the Charlie Cairoli Story.

Most of the talks are illustrated with projected images and film footage to enhance the experience.

Quote:

 “Andrew, Thank you very much for your excellent talk yesterday. It was interesting and entertaining and everyone really enjoyed it. Several people said it was the best talk they ‘d ever heard! Thank you again.”  Linda Polwart – Trentley Probus.