Quick answer: eclipseArts runs circus skills workshops, children’s parties, school sessions and hen do activities across Bristol and the surrounding area. Tom Makin brings the full circus kit to your venue — village halls, community centres, school halls, church halls, gardens, parks and outdoor event spaces — and runs a hands-on session where every single person gets a go. Workshops from £250, kids parties from £350.
Circus Workshops in Bristol
Bristol has circus in its blood — Circomedia trained half the performers in the country, and the city has been a circus town for decades. So a Bristol crowd knows the difference between real circus skills and a bloke with three beanbags. eclipseArts is run by Tom Makin, who’s been performing and teaching for over 30 years.
We cover Clifton, Redland, Bedminster, Southville, Harbourside, Montpelier, St Pauls, Bishopston, Horfield and Fishponds — and everywhere in between. If you’ve got a bit of floor space, we’ll bring the circus to it: village halls, community centres, school halls, church halls, gardens, parks and outdoor event spaces.
What We Actually Do
Every session is hands-on from the first minute. No sitting and watching. Tom sets the kit out, shows you how it works, and then it’s over to you and your group to have a go — with a real performer coaching you through it.
- Circus skills workshops — juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping, diabolo, flower sticks, poi, unicycle, tight-wire and stilts. Drop-in or structured, all ages and abilities.
- Children’s circus parties — a 2-hour party with a high-energy show and then a full skills workshop. Every child leaves having learned something.
- School workshops — full-day or half-day sessions tied to PE, PSHE and physical development. SEND and inclusive groups are a specialism.
- Hen do circus sessions — active, social and genuinely different from the usual afternoon tea or cocktail class.
- Corporate team building — circus skills as a leveller: nobody’s good at this on day one, which is the whole point.
- Walkabout and event entertainment — stilt walkers, jugglers, fire performance and UV shows.
Why Book Direct
eclipseArts isn’t an agency. There’s no middleman taking a cut and no freelancer you’ve never met turning up on the day. You book Tom, Tom turns up, and Tom runs it. Thirty-plus years of performing and teaching, DBS-checked, £10 million public liability insurance, and full risk assessments available on request.
It also means the price is the price. Kids parties from £350, workshops from £250 a half day (full day £500), and free travel within 20 miles of Keynsham, then 50p per mile — no hidden extras bolted on afterwards.
Bristol Schools and Groups
Bristol is a big patch — over 130 primaries and secondaries across the city, from one-form-entry schools in Bedminster and Southville to secondary enrichment days out in Horfield and Fishponds. We can run up to 250 pupils across a full day by rotating parallel stations, and we’ll supply a full risk assessment for formal bookings.
Being Bristol-based matters for schools. No agency fee, no subcontracted performer, no travel loading — we’re inside the free 20-mile radius, so the quote is the whole quote. Half-day and full-day formats, half-term holiday clubs, PTA fundraisers and school fairs all work.
Circus Workshops Across Bristol and the South West
eclipseArts covers the whole of the Bristol area, not just Bristol. If your venue is outside the town, we almost certainly still cover it. Other areas we run circus skills workshops, children’s parties and school sessions in: Bath, Keynsham, Yate, Thornbury, Weston-super-Mare.
Not sure whether we reach you? Send us your postcode and we’ll confirm straight away whether you’re inside the free travel radius — beyond it, travel is 50p per mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a circus workshop in Bristol cost?
Workshops start from £250 and children’s parties from £350. The final quote depends on how long you need us, how many people are taking part, and what you’re booking. You’ll always get a clear, upfront price with no hidden extras.
What space do you need?
A hall, community centre, school gym, garden or a decent patch of outdoor space. We’ll confirm exactly what we need based on the activities you pick — but if you’ve got room for a group to move about safely, we can usually make it work.
Do you charge travel to Bristol?
Travel is free within 20 miles of Keynsham, and that covers Bristol. Beyond that, travel is 50p per mile.
How many people can take part?
Workshops work well from around 8 people up to 30-plus. For schools we can run up to 250 pupils across a full day using parallel stations and staggered groups.
Do you work with SEND and inclusive groups?
Yes, and it’s something we do a lot of. The open, non-competitive format works especially well for children who find structured activities harder. Every activity can be adapted for different abilities and mobility levels.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form with your date, group size and location. We’ll confirm availability and send a tailored quote. Weekend dates book up quickly, so the earlier the better.
Ready to Book a Circus Workshop in Bristol?
Tell us your date, roughly how many people, and where you are — we’ll do the rest. Call or message 07770 568311, or use the enquiry form and we’ll come back to you with availability and a price.