Circus City Brings Free Circus To Broadmead
The pop-up circus festival will delight shoppers and audiences
A series of circus performances will be taking place in Bristol this autumn – including free events in the The Galleries, Broadmead and Castle Park.
The programme comes from Circus City, a national performing arts organisation that’s based right here in Bristol.
It makes complete sense considering the city is lucky enough to be the home of the world-leading Circomedia – the home of contemporary circus and physical theatre training.
Circus City itself originally launched in 2015 as a biennial festival. It quickly became recognised internationally for the work it produces.
Ahead of the full festival returning next year, Circus City will be bringing a mini pop-up festival event taking place in September and October.
Broadmead and Castle Park
Busking Show from Tit for Tat
Free
Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September 2026
Starting from 11.30am
Six artists will be staging busking shows in the Broadmead and Castle Park areas of central Bristol.
There will be circle shows, acrobatics, juggling, physical comedy and of course, audience interaction.
The Galleries
Waiting Song // Mish Weaver
Free
Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September 2026
Free performances of Waiting Song by Mish Weaver will be taking place in The Galleries shopping centre.
The show will see two trapeze artists performing in midair. They will be dressed in glamorous circus costumes and performing to live music. The artists will spin, sway and sing in duet.
Waiting Song is described as a ‘lyrical exploration’ of how anticipation can shape our emotions and actions.
Every performance will be unique because it is shaped by the thoughts and reflections of people the artists meet.
Both performers will be around to chat to people for 15 minutes ahead of the performance.
Show times: 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 3:45pm each day
The shows take place in the open space between the two sets of escalators.
Seating will be provided, including seats reserved for those that need them.
The Trinity Centre
ElevateHer // Daughters of the Wire
Booking details on the Circus City website
Saturday 19 September – Sunday 20 September 2026
Daughters of the Wire is an outdoor performance taking place amongst the trees at the Trinity Centre.
It’s performed by the UK’s only female wire-walking collective.
Six performances on three interconnecting tight-wires tell a story of female camaraderie and sisterhood. It’s performed through music, movement and balance.
Audiences should expect a performance full of unapologetic joy, defiance, beauty and a few laughs along the way.
Circomedia
Lightgarden // Big Wolf Company
Booking details on the Circus City website
Thursday 29 October – Friday 30 October 2026
Lightgarden takes audiences on a gentle and immersive contemporary circus experience.
The performance is from Big Wolf Company – Estonia’s first touring contemporary circus company.
With an intimate audience of just 45, the show starts with a guided walk around the location before entering a tent.
The performance features storytelling, projections, light and shadow as well as aerial acrobatics.
The show is aimed at children aged 7 years upwards with their grown up. It’s a magical experience of discovery together.
Lightgarden is presented as part of the Baltic Circus Now UK Showcase.
On Thursday 29 October there is 1 performance:
Doors: 5:45pm
Start time: 6pm
Running time: 90 minutes
On Friday 30 October there are 3 performances:
Show 1
Doors: 10:45am
Start time: 11am
Running time: 90 minutes
Show 2
Doors: 1:45pm
Start time: 2pm
Running time: 90 minutes
Show 3
Doors: 5:45pm
Start time: 6pm
Running time: 90 minutes
For more information about the Circus Streets programme, visit: https://www.bristolcircuscity.com/circus-streets/
Featured Image: Waiting Song by Mish Weaver
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