World class circus acts are coming to Southport this May Bank Holiday 
Features
Everything you need to know about Southport’s Big Top Festival this May Bank Holiday weekend
56 minutes ago
Roll Up, Roll Up – because the circus is coming to Southport for the early May Bank Holiday weekend.
The town’s going be turned into one huge stage for acrobatics, lives shows, clowns and more for the Big Top Festival.
It’s a chance to learn your own circus skills and see lots of amazing performers – as well as people being very silly – so if you fancy heading down, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Big Top Festival?
The Big Top Festival is an incredible event bringing a packed programme of world-class circus performances, contemporary clowning, street theatre, hands-on workshops and family-friendly fun to loads of locations across Southport.
When is it on?
It’s on Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3 between 11am and 6pm.
How much does it cost and where can I get tickets?
It costs NOTHING. The entire event is FREE.
What can I expect – and what will I find where?
The shows and performances are taking place across five festival zones: Town Hall Gardens, Nevill Street, Market Street, London Square and the Extravaganza Room in Southport Market.
Town Hall Gardens
At the heart of the town centre, Town Hall Gardens is hosting two performance stages with a programme of circus, theatre, and family-friendly entertainment, and internationally acclaimed acts as well as local talent.
Stage One
Saturday – 11am-11.30am and Sunday – 4.45-5.15pm
Chance to enjoy three circus misfits who bungle every act and recruit unsuspecting audience members.
Saturday – 12-12.30pm & 14.15-14.45pm and Sunday – 12.30-1pm & 2.30-3pm
A unique 30-minute performance of high-energy acrobatics and power.
Wild Laughter: Fun on the Prom
CutToTheChase Productions and Sidelong Glance presents this collaboration between acclaimed performer Ellie Lybeck (Sidelong Glance) and visionary theatre maker Jen Heyes (CutToTheChase Productions) paying homage to 19th century clown Albert James.
Don’t Feed The Explorers by Birdcage Stage
Saturday – 3.15-3.45pm & 5.30-6pm and Sunday – 2-2.30pm & 5.30-6pm
A 30-minute, slapstick family adventure that follows bumbling explorers through wild jungles.
The Black Eagles in Association with GModels & Casting Agency
Sunday – 11-11.25am
A high-energy spectacle blending African acrobatics and contemporary performance.
Stage Two
Saturday – 11.30am-12pm & 2.45-3:15pm
Gandini Juggling present 9 performers, 80 oranges and 7 watermelons!
YOU TOO CAN TUTU by Gandini Juggling
Saturday – 12.30-12.50pm and Sunday – 1-1.20pm
A witty take on ballet storytelling.
Don’t Feed The Explorers by Birdcage Stage
Saturday – 3.15-3.45pm & 5.30-6pm and Sunday – 2.2.30pm & 5.30-6pm
Sunday – 4.15-4.45pm
Playful circus duo Brie and Rick-otta tumble through an oversized picnic of cheese wedges and an enormous pizza slice, while setting up games and acrobatics for the audience.
Nevill Street
Saturday – 11.30am-12pm & 5-5.30pm and Sunday – 11-11.30am
The Flamingos by Artemis Productions
Saturday – 12.30-1pm & 2.30-3pm and Sunday – 12.15-12.45pm, 2.30-3pm & 5.30-6pm
Oversized flamingos Florence and Issiah will roam the festival with Ringmaster Harry Bird.
The Great Eve & Baldini In association with GModels & Casting Agency
Saturday & Sunday – 1.30-2pm & 3.30-4pm
Eve and Baldini bring raucous circus ridiculousness.
Market Street
The Great Eve & Baldini In association with GModels & Casting Agency
Saturday – 11.15-11.45pm and Sunday – 11.30am-12pm
The Black Eagles In Association with GModels & Casting Agency
Saturday – 12.30-12.55p, & 5.5.25pm | Sunday – 4.45-5.10pm
High-energy African acrobatics and contemporary performance.
Saturday – 1.15-1.45pm and Sunday – 12.30-1.30pm
YOU TOO CAN TUTU by Gandini Juggling
Saturday & Sunday – 2.30-2.50pm
Saturday – 4-4.30pm and Sunday – 3.15-13.45pm
London Square
Saturday – 11-11.35am & 5.25-6pm and Sunday – 11-11.35am & 4.15-4.50pm
A giant metal spiral drives three performers into a thrilling battle, blending circus and dance.
Pirate Taxi by Pirates of the Carabina
Saturday – 12.15-1pm & 3-3.45pm and Sunday – 12.15-1pm & 3-3.45pm
Small-scale circus adventure around a vintage London cab, mixing live music, humour and aerial thrills.
Saturday – 1.45-2.35pm and Sunday – 1.30-2.20pm
Vibrant yet poignant circus and dance performance with ladder walking, acrodance, acrobike, partner acrobatics and pole dancing.
Harry & Steve’s Circus Show by Fools Rush In
Saturday – 4.30-5pm and Sunday – 5.15-5.45pm
Fast-paced family circus comedy, packed with juggling, diabolos and unicycles.
Extravaganza Room
Circus Skills Workshops
Saturday & Sunday – 11am-12pm & 1-2pm
Try your hand at juggling, plate spinning, diabolo throwing and the art of the precarious balance – maybe even on top of a unicycle!!
Clowning Workshop
Saturday & Sunday – 2.45-3.15pm
EggPeople introduce you to the world of play and fun – suitable for younger participants!
The Flamingos Masterclass by Artemis Productions
Saturday & Sunday – 3.45-4.45pm
Artemis Productions demonstrate their giant red, pink and white flamingo puppet with the chance to have a go on hand held peg stilts.
Find out more on the Visit Southport website.
Find out what’s on in Southport throughout 2026 on our website.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The Guide Liverpool Editorial Team
The Guide Liverpool proudly shares regular stories from in and around Liverpool. From the latest news, to the best what’s on listings. Our editorial team is made up of trained journalists and media professionals, meaning you will never miss a moment from the city region.
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