PT Barnum, the original showman, said “The noblest art is that of making others happy.”
Sadly, 1.5 million UK families can’t afford a single day out together. That is bad enough on its own, but gets worse when 50% of families with disabled children say that the stigma and discrimination that they face can make them feel isolated and unable to attend mainstream events.
Allow us to introduce you to Circus Starr, a little known UK charity who tour the UK staging animal-free circus performances in what they call a “tutt-free zone”. Shows where shouting out, dancing, and jumping up and down are expected, not frowned upon! Every child, whoever they are, is free to be themselves at a Circus Starr Show – shout with joy, move to the music or appear centre stage!
Circus Starr create a magical world, harnessing the power of the circus and invite families with all kinds of different needs to have fun together in a safe, welcoming and unique atmosphere. In the Spring and Autumn, Circus Starr can be experienced under the starry canopy of a big top and when winter makes accessibility more difficult, performances move indoors so the English weather can never disappoint deserving audiences.
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Since 2019, Curtis UK have made donations so that Circus Starr can offer tickets and party packs to local children and their families, through a network of hospices, schools, hospitals, larger national charities and support groups; families can also apply direct to Circus Starr. All for free! We know that a circus is a family event that brings everyone closer, encourages creativity and allows people to become stronger and more able to face life’s challenges head on. The support by local organizations and companies like Curtis, makes it possible to bring all the fun of the circus to children and families that may have found this difficult in the past. Children with disabilities, families on low incomes, those facing challenges such as domestic violence, bereavement or who may be living with a life-limiting condition. Every child, whoever they are, is free to be themselves at a Circus Starr Show.
This year’s Northampton event was held in October (indoors!) at the Woodale Centre For Learning and was the last show of the Autumn Tour. The fun will resume again next year and we will be delighted to help again!
https://www.circus-starr.org.uk/