Andrew Van Buren commemorates Philip Astley and the 250th Anniversary of the circus in Westminster
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Andrew Van Buren commemorates Philip Astley and the 250th Anniversary of the circus in Westminster

The legacy of Philip Astley and the 250th anniversary of the circus are commemorated by Andrew Van Buren at the Palace of Westminster. On March 6th, Showman and Performer Andrew Van Buren gave his speech in the House of Commons after being invited to a parliamentary assembly. Organised by the ‘Association of Circus Proprietors‘ Andrew…

First Permanent Philip Astley Monument
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First Permanent Philip Astley Monument

The UK’s first permanent monument to Philip Astley and his legacy of the circus is now in place but bad weather is slowing off the completion of the ground work and delaying the official unveil. The sculptures were designed by Newcastle-based Candida Kelsall and then manufactured by local apprentices from leading apprenticeship provider, PM Training…

Newcastle-under-Lyme named one of six Cities of Circus for 2018
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Newcastle-under-Lyme named one of six Cities of Circus for 2018

Newcastle-under-Lyme will be a hub for circus celebrations in 2018 after being named as one of the six Cities of Circus by Circus250. The Philip Astley Project and The New Vic Theatre will lead events throughout the year designed to champion the legacy of local hero Philip Astley ‘the father of modern circus’, celebrate the…

Circus Symposium – Philip Astley and the Legacy of Modern Circus
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Circus Symposium – Philip Astley and the Legacy of Modern Circus

The Philip Astley Project and the Van Buren Organisation collaborated with partners at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) on a symposium to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of Modern Circus by Philip Astley. The Circus Symposium took place in September 2017 at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Crewe campus. The…

Newcastle honouring Father of Modern Circus
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Newcastle honouring Father of Modern Circus

Newcastle honouring Father of Modern Circus Philip Astley. Philip Astley was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742, and started by performing equestrian shows. He then realised it was best performed in a circular ring of a 42ft diameter and by combining other performers into the shows. The statue was unveiled inside Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s (NULC) Performing Arts…