The newly opened Philip Astley Centre, located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, the birthplace of Philip Astley is geared up for celebrating world circus day 2024.

The Philip Astley Centre, funded by UKSPF though Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, is the world’s first heritage centre dedicated to the legendary showman, and will host a day filled with circus skills and activities for all ages. Located on Merrial Street, the Centre is set to become a hub for circus enthusiasts and admirers of circus history and performance alike.

Attendees on the day can expect a mix of circus-themed interactive activities presented by professional performers, including juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping, diablo, and interactive puppetry workshops plus a few surprises during what promises to be an exciting and fun day.

“We are thrilled to celebrate World Circus Day and honour the legacy of Philip Astley at the Philip Astley Centre,” said Andrew Van Buren, Director of Philip Astley Projects CIC. “Our goal is to provide a fun experience for visitors of all ages, everyone will have the opportunity to watch performance, take part in activities and not only learn a few skills but also about the rich global history and vibrant spirit of the circus.”

World Circus Day 2024 organised by Federation Mondiale Du Cirque which represents circuses and circus schools from around the world, preserves the values of the circus arts and promotes their development, under the Honorary Presidency of H.S.H Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.

The World Circus Day 2024 event will kick off at 10.30 am and continue throughout the day until 4.00 pm, offering something for everyone to enjoy from performance to workshops. Admission is free, and no prior experience is necessary to join in the activities and festivities.

The Philip Astley Centre

The eagerly anticipated Philip Astley Centre opened its doors to the public on March 9, 2024. Located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme at 23/25 Merrial Street, the centre is a hub of circus celebration, heritage, and education. Visitors can expect scheduled wonderful experiences and captivating performance.

“The Philip Astley Centre is not a museum; it’s a vibrant community space where visitors of all ages can explore the rich history and magic of the circus,” said Arthur Barnard, Chair of Philip Astley Projects CIC.

At the Philip Astley Centre, visitors have the opportunity to participate in workshops and classes on various circus skills, including juggling, hula-hooping, and plate-spinning. There are also interactive exhibits showcasing the evolution of the circus from its humble beginnings to the spectacle it is today.

The centre operates from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays through Saturdays, offering visitors ample opportunities to explore its exhibits and events including puppetry series and film shows for both adults and children.

In just a short time since our opening, we’ve welcomed nearly 1000 visitors through our doors, eager to experience the magic of the Philip Astley Centre. This incredible response speaks volumes about the enthusiasm and support for our mission to celebrate the legacy of Philip Astley and the circus arts.

Director of Philip Astley Projects CIC Andrew Van Buren says “The centre brings a vibrancy to the town centre allowing people to call in for a fun learning experience, it also provides a base of operations for our outreach programme of town centre events plus taking our Astley based circus skills workshops and classes into schools and colleges around the area, allowing students and children to learn about Philip Astley and his legacy while learning physical circus skills”.

The centre is also offering strategy team building days to foster stronger bonds and innovative thinking among the team. Furthermore, the premises are also available for party hires and meetings, providing a unique and memorable backdrop for your special occasions and corporate gatherings.

For more information about the event and updates on the Philip Astley Centre, please visit www.philipastley.org.uk and stay tuned to our social media channels.