My boys are big Blackpool fans. We went back this summer for second year running and had a great time. There is so much to do and enjoy and this summer for the first time since I was a child we visited the Blackpool Tower Circus and each year they have a panto which runs from 22nd November 2015 to 17th January 2016.
The Blackpool Tower Circus
The Blackpool Tower Circus and its 110 by 100 foot arena is positioned at the base of the tower between the four legs, which means that every seat has a great view and it has never missed a season since opening to the public on 14 May 1894, which makes it the oldest permanent circus arena in the world and also Blackpool’s longest running show.
I like lots of other adults and some children are pretty scared of clowns (Stephen King this is ALL down to you), but Mooky and Mr Boo the clowns at The Blackpool Tower Circus are not scary sorts of clowns, their are funny clowns and fills the performance with slapstick humor and didn’t scare me or the children, they do not even look like traditional clowns. Also the circus hasn’t used animals since 1990, even though their cases are still under the performance area.
The two hour show at the circus is filled with family fun and fantastic entertainment and the kids get to try their hand at spinning plates before the start and during the intermission if they want to (Mini really loved this) and just look at the look on concentration on their faces. You are asked not to take photographs during the performance and I can understand why, especially as their are so many electrifying tricks and jaw dropping stunts, the last thing you want if for a flash to put one of the entertainers off.
The show that we saw over the summer was amazing, with tight rope walking, tumbling, unicycle riding, humour, dancing, whip cracking and much, much more. It has a real international flavour and the finale is spectacular and I would never have possible (but I am not going to give that away).
The pantomime is a must visit if you are visiting Blackpool, this years is pinocchio where Mooky the Clown is the wooden boy who dreams of springing to life and you have to watch out for his cheeky fibs as he learns to tell right from wrong in a bid to become a real boy.
Since 1991, The Blackpool Tower Circus has been home to the Endresz family and they have brought a wealth of worldwide talent to Blackpool. Pinnochio is no exception with some amazing acts involved:
- The Duo Denvi Perch Act has travelled from Hungary, taking to the ring for a breath taking performance in equilibristic balancing and trust of the highest order.
- Kenya’s Zulu Acrobat Vertical Pole Act showcase phenomenal strength and accuracy as they hang and spin into unbelievable contortions.
- The Serik Strap Act from Kaszakhstan will captivate the audience with flexibility and precision as they twist, roll and manoeuvre acrobatically, whilst suspended in the air.
- Four of Hungary’s finest Carousel Girls will add flair of glamour and pazazz to the show. And the Victtoria Silk Act from Russia will spiral, swing and suspend from aerial silks with daring finesse.
- The Diamond Birds Duo has flown in from Hungary to dazzle the crowd with elegance and meticulous skill from the dizzying heights of the aerial ring.
Is you are a Merlin annual pass holder then the Tower Circus is free or you can find the costs here. My tip would be to always book in advance or to take a look at my post about staycation in blackpool and look at getting a resort pass.
When was the last time you went to Blackpool and have you visited the circus?
The Mad House visits Blackpool
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Disclosure: This post is brought to you in collaboration with Blackpool
The last time I was in Blackpool was June 2004. I never visited the circus due to my intense fear of clowns! Nice to read they are not the scary clowns though, might visit if I ever go back x
Wow this looks amazing, a great show for all the family
We loved Blackpool circus when we went last year – my advise is to get there early as we were sat way up high
I love the tower circus!
We were invited to the circus skills workshop at half term and I’m gutted we couldn’t fit it in x
I don’t think I’ve been to the circus since I went to one at Chessington Zoo and yes that was what Chessington World of Adventures used to be called! I think the kids would love to go and see one.
I haven’t visited Blackpool since being a child! It’s great you can use a Merlin pass.
We love going to family friendly shows like this and it looks brilliant – I really love places with lors of history like this too, such a great tradition.