Giffords Circus Show — Stratton Meadows, Cirencester

Under Canvas at Stratton Meadows: Giffords Circus Brings Waterfield to Cirencester

Giffords Circus has been pitching its big top on this meadow off Gloucester Road for well over a decade, close enough to Ermin Street that the Romans effectively marked out the route to the show. This year's production, Waterfield, is directed by Cal McCrystal, the Olivier-winning force behind the physical comedy of One Man, Two Guvnors, and draws its whole world from the rivers, hedgerows and wildlife of the English countryside.

The cast is properly international: the Addis Ababa Troupe bring hand-vaulting from Ethiopia, the Valencia Flyers perform the Wheel of Death, and Elena and Giacomo Jasters run through knife-throwing and crossbow work. A live score from musical director James Keay reworks British folk alongside the usual mix of circus skill and loose narrative rather than a straight variety bill — this isn't an arena show. Circus Sauce, the on-site restaurant, runs alongside selected performances for anyone making a full evening of it.

A touring circus that still builds its sets and costumes by hand on its own Cotswold farm, then pitches an actual tent in a field to show them off, is rarer than it used to be.

Read our full review of Waterfield.

Thursday 27 August – Monday 7 September 2026 · Stratton Meadows, Gloucester Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2JU · Starts 7:30pm