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Building the excitement - Creating a circus

25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2AE

  • 18 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking preferred

What does it take to turn an empty space into a magical world overnight? Join us for this fascinating talk on the architecture of the circus from 1768 to present day.

From wooden amphitheatres in the 18th century to the colourful big tops of today, the circus has the unique ability to turn empty spaces into magical places - overnight! But how does this transformation take place? Join us at the Philip Astley Centre, our unique Visitor and Activity Centre, for a fascinating talk about the history, design, labour and love involved in building up a circus. The Philip Astley Centre, located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, is the perfect location for this talk as the town is the birthplace of Philip Astley, the military hero, original Ringmaster, and father of the modern circus. And who better to give the talk than the popular showman Andrew Van Buren, a lifelong champion of the legacy of Philip Astley and circus.

The talk will cover circuses from Astley's first amphitheatre in 1768 to present day, including examples from around the world and incorporating vintage film sequences of circus build up.

Refreshments will be available and the Centre is fully accessible.

Timings & Tours

Thursday 18 September:
14:30

Location & directions

25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2AE

Directions:
The Philip Astley Centre is on Merrial Street, on the corner with Fogg Street. Closest parking is available at the Castle Car Park, Liverpool Road, ST5 2AU (multistorey, pay on foot) or Cherry Orchard (surface parking, Pay & Display, £1 after 1pm)

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking preferred
Booking conditions:
Bookings preferred. NB: This is a free event even though the booking site says 'buy tickets'. To book your place, please click here: https://buytickets.at/philipastleyprojectscic/1787906.
Booking contact name:
Deepshikha Prasad
Booking website:
https://buytickets.at/philipastleyprojectscic/1787906
Booking opens:
28 Jul 2025 09:00 AM
Booking closes:
18 Sep 2025 12:00 PM

Accessibility details

The Philip Astley Centre is fully accessible including accessible toilets.

Additional information

Closest parking is available at the Castle Car Park, Liverpool Road, ST5 2AU (multistorey, pay on foot) or Cherry Orchard (surface parking, Pay & Display, £1 after 1pm)

Max no of people per tour:
30
Est. tour duration:
1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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