Some evenings, there is magic in the air. You can feel it on the breeze, or hear it in a snatch of music from far away. But tonight we discovered one of the places it comes from.
In fields and parks in the prettiest places in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire this summer, you may be lucky enough to encounter Giffords Circus. And if you do, be sure to seize the opportunity with both hands and clutch it tight. 
For this is not your average traveling tat. This is a gloriously theatrical, nostalgic, family entertainment. This year the show is called 'Caravan' and is loosely based on a gypsy horse fair in 1900. That bit may have gone over the heads of the children, but they soaked up every morsel of atmosphere, from the circus band to the amazingly detailed and very homespun costumes and tent decorations, to the candyfloss and sawdust and the fabulously bohemian atmosphere.
Truly, tonight was a night that made you long to let down your wayward curls and run away to live in a caravan. To watch your children run, nut brown and free and loose yourself in some idyllic fantasy of a lifestyle.
There are no pictures allowed during the performance, but I did find a You Tube video of behind the scenes at last year's show, 'Joplin'
And you can be sure I'll be in the queue for tickets next year too. Because look at this face:
See what I mean? Magic.
Magic is right! It looks amazing. I wish something like that would stop in my neck of the woods.
Posted by: Liz | 17 May 2008 at 00:51
Beautiful photos and beautifully written
Posted by: Joanna | 17 May 2008 at 07:15
Oh fantastic! We're going to see them in Hay this year, and now I can't wait!
Posted by: Jo | 17 May 2008 at 10:38
Just the kind of circus I've been looking for, for my kids to see. It looks wonderfully 'bohemian' as you said. If only we didn't live so far from where they do their performances, we just get the tatty looking ones. Have a great weekend x
Posted by: Thimbleina | 17 May 2008 at 12:04
I took Nr 1 when he was 4 and he loved it. All of it a part from the presenter/clown (can't remember exactly) because his face was painted and he wore a hat.
Oh yes, hats can be very very scary.
But he talked for days about the world strongest man (was he still there?) and the acrobats...
Glad the weather hold out for you!
Posted by: monica | 17 May 2008 at 13:47
That looks like a perfect family evening! We have a circus coming near here soon but it is not as lovely looking as that one, and at £24 per seat, we are not going to be attending!
Posted by: dottycookie | 17 May 2008 at 18:48
we are aiming to go this summer with some friends and I can't wait. I have heard such great things about it. Glad you had fun.
Cathy X
Posted by: pinkgreen | 17 May 2008 at 19:53
I bought the Mathew Rice calendar this year and illustration for May is all about Giffords Circus! Sounds wonderful but I bet it does not come to Kent! Will have to keep a look out...
Posted by: Rose Vintage | 17 May 2008 at 21:07
It looks like a wonderful way to spend the evening. I'll have to check out their Wiltshire dates and arrange a trip to mother-in-law's.
I love the video - such a great glimpse into the people behind the show.
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 18 May 2008 at 09:27
It sounds perfect, like a proper circus should be - high on magic content for the young and young at heart! Glad you had a great time!
Posted by: julie | 18 May 2008 at 10:03
Ack...there are times when I long for my children to be tiny again...and the thought of taking them to the circus and sitting in the dark with smell of candyfloss and sawdust is almost too much to bear today.
Posted by: Alice C | 18 May 2008 at 14:06
that looks magical.
Posted by: erin | 18 May 2008 at 15:12
So true. Every piece of the circus seems like it's made with love and care. They know how to live.
I look forward to their return to Hoxton Square
Posted by: Alix | 19 May 2008 at 01:02
He is smiling in his eyes. Wonderful picture.
Posted by: simone | 19 May 2008 at 15:08
It sounds magical indeed and the sparkle in his eyes is reflected in your words...or the other way round, no matter.
Posted by: Dragonfly | 19 May 2008 at 21:25
He has the most adorable face I've ever seen, what a cute picture!
There are times that I would love to travel about in a gypsy caravan and enjoy all the wonders in life. Let's go...right now!
Posted by: June | 20 May 2008 at 00:30
there IS something magical and special about circuses....is that a word?
I haven't been to one since I was a child.
That photo of your son reminds me so much of my 8 year old nephew. incredible.
Posted by: tiel | 20 May 2008 at 10:46
It looks like you all felt some magic. Lovely pics.
Posted by: Lisa Lam | 20 May 2008 at 12:07
That's the one thing we're going to miss about living in the west - no more Giffords Circus. Last year was the best ever in my opinion - wonder if we should make a trip and go and again?
Posted by: Simmy | 20 May 2008 at 14:09
How brill does that look! If only they were closer to me!!
Posted by: Gemma | 21 May 2008 at 09:43
Doesn't it just make you want to live your life like something out of the Gifford/Bridgewater/Rice clan.
We are also too far away, though I have considered scheduling holidays. . .
J
x
Posted by: Jane | 21 May 2008 at 15:23
Thank you so much for this post, I remember reading an article about Giffords Circus in country living mag last summer. anyway, after reading your post I have just booked tickets for the show on Monday in Hay - I am so excited!!
Posted by: Hannah | 22 May 2008 at 17:52