Circus 250 Official Illuminating Launch

Some very special symbols were projected on to the front of The Blackpool Tower building on the evening of Tuesday 9 January, kick-starting a year of circus celebrations across the UK.

As one of six designated Cities of Circus, Blackpool took part in a unique event that saw the Circus250 logos projected on to iconic buildings in each of the six locations on what is the 250th anniversary of the first circus in the UK.

The two official Circus250 logos, designed by Sir Peter Blake, were projected on to the front of the building from 4pm-7pm.

The places chosen to take part in the anniversary year celebrations are Blackpool, Belfast, Bristol, Great Yarmouth & Norwich, Newcastle-under-Lyme and London, where that first circus performance took place on the Embankment when showman Philip Astley drew out a ring and filled it with astonishing acts.

Each of the circus cities will put on its own programme during 2018 including live performances, film festivals and circus-themed exhibitions.
In Blackpool the finishing touches are being put to the resort’s bespoke calendar of events which will be underpinned by the world famous Blackpool Tower Circus. Further details will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “It is very fitting that as part of the national launch of Circus250 the logos will be projected on to the Blackpool Tower building, the home of one of the most famous circuses in the world.

“We are delighted to be a part of the Circus250 celebrations and there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes to deliver a programme of events that will be truly memorable.”

For more information on Circus250 activities in Blackpool, go to visitblackpool.com/circus250.  For national activity, please visit circus250.org or tweet @circus250 and Facebook Circus250.