2–3 May 2026Southport Town Centre · Circus Arts

Big Top FestivalSouthport 2026

World-class circus arts across Southport town centre. Circa and Gandini Juggling. Two days. Free outdoor shows and ticketed performances. Bank Holiday weekend.

What's On Southport 2026 Programme

2–3 May

When

Bank Holiday Weekend

Town Centre

Where

Southport

Two Days

Duration

Outdoor + indoor shows

Mostly Free

Entry

Some ticketed shows

Terry's Take

Circus in the Town Centre. This Is Worth Your Bank Holiday.

Circa are not a touring novelty act. They are an Australian physical theatre company with an international reputation. Gandini Juggling are similarly serious, they have performed at the Edinburgh Festival and major arts venues across Europe. Bringing them to Southport for a Bank Holiday weekend is a genuine coup.

The outdoor free shows are the heart of it, circus in a town centre on a spring Bank Holiday weekend is exactly what these streets are built for. Lord Street with performers in it, the weather cooperating, and people stopping to watch: that is the version of Southport I am proud of.

The Bank Holiday weekend also runs into Beer Week (20–25 May). If you are planning to visit Southport for an event weekend, Big Top plus Beer Week is the combination to plan around. Book accommodation early. May is busy.

The Companies

Who Is Performing

🎪

Circa

Australian physical theatre and circus company. Circa blend acrobatics, dance, and theatre into performances that are as much about emotion as technical skill. They have performed at major arts festivals worldwide. Their outdoor work is designed to stop crowds in their tracks.

🤹

Gandini Juggling

One of the world's leading contemporary juggling companies, based in the UK. Gandini's work transcends what most people think of when they hear "juggling", it is choreographed, musical, and genuinely theatrical. Multiple Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearances and international touring.

Common Questions

Big Top Festival. FAQs

When is Big Top Festival in Southport 2026?

Big Top Festival Southport 2026 takes place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May 2026. It is part of the Bank Holiday weekend that also coincides with Southport Beer Week.

What is the Big Top Festival in Southport?

Big Top Festival is a circus and street arts festival in Southport town centre, part of the Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric cultural programme. It features world-class circus companies including Circa (Australia) and Gandini Juggling (UK), with a mix of free outdoor performances and ticketed indoor shows.

Is Big Top Festival free?

Some elements are free, outdoor performances in the town centre are free to watch. Some ticketed indoor shows require tickets. Check the Southport 2026 website for the specific programme and which performances are free versus ticketed.

Who is performing at Big Top Festival 2026?

Confirmed performers include Circa, an acclaimed Australian physical theatre and circus company, and Gandini Juggling, one of the world's leading contemporary juggling companies. Both are internationally touring companies of the highest quality.

Where does Big Top Festival take place in Southport?

Big Top Festival takes place across Southport town centre, on Lord Street, in the town's public spaces, and at The Atkinson. Some performances may be in Victoria Park. The outdoor performances typically move through the town centre over the two days.

Is Big Top Festival family friendly?

Yes. Circus and street arts are inherently accessible and engaging for all ages. The outdoor performances are particularly suitable for families. It is one of the best events of the year for bringing children into town.

Can I combine Big Top Festival with Southport Beer Week?

Yes. Southport Beer Week runs 20–25 May across 18 town-centre pubs, and the Big Top Festival falls at the start of that period. The Bank Holiday weekend of 2–3 May is one of the busiest weekends of Southport's year. Plan accommodation well in advance if you are staying over.

Big Top Festival · 2–3 May 2026