Whether you’re running a school fete, a charity fun day, or a team-building event for adults who’ve forgotten how to play, a Circus Workshop is one of those rare activities that works for absolutely everyone. We bring the equipment, the coaching, and the energy. You just open the doors.
eclipseArts has been delivering professional circus workshops across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and beyond since 1996, with over 28 years of experience with schools, charities, and corporate clients. All performers are DBS-checked, fully insured with public liability cover, and experienced working with children and adults of all abilities, including SEN and inclusive settings.
See our full range of services →
What Is an Open Circus Workshop?
An open workshop is a drop-in format, with no rigid timetable, no skill requirements, and no experience needed. Participants wander between activity stations, pick up a juggling ball, try the tight-wire, or just watch the demos. They stay as long as they like. Our coaches rotate constantly, spotting who needs a quick tip and who’s quietly nailing their first three-ball cascade.
It’s relaxed on purpose. The drop-in format consistently produces more participation than a timed class, because nobody feels put on the spot.
Feature Why It Matters:
- Drop‑in, stay‑as‑long‑as‑you‑like No rigid schedule. Participants can wander between stations, try a new skill, or simply watch the show. Perfect for parties where the vibe changes every hour.
- All‑age friendly While kids are the natural stars, adults love joining the fun whether they’re looking for a quick stress‑bust or trying to rediscover a childhood hobby.
- Hands‑on equipment We bring enough gear for 100+ participants (juggling clubs, hoops, stilts, unicycles, poi, diabolo, tight‑wire kits, pedal‑goes, etc.). You’re free to grab, experiment, and practise at your own pace.
- Live demos & instant coaching Our performers rotate between showcasing spectacular tricks and offering on‑the‑spot guidance. No‑question‑asked, “Can you help me keep the ball in the air?”
- Full‑service extras Want a soundtrack, face‑painting, play‑tattoos, bubbles, or balloon‑modelling? We’ve got a sound system and a whole suite of party‑add‑ons to keep energy levels sky‑high.
“Wow, what a wonderful day the children had. I would certainly recommend Tom for a circus skills workshop for schools. The resources were great and all activities were age‑appropriate. So many children shone who normally find school a bit ‘tricky’.”
– Alex Chambers, Holme CE School
What Circus Skills Do We Teach?
Skill What Participants Experience
- Juggling – From three‑ball basics to multi‑object cascades.
- Plate spinning – One of the biggest crowd-pleasers for all ages
- Hula‑Hooping – Core‑strengthening loops, tricks, and group circles.
- Tight‑Wire (Low‑Level) – Safe, low‑rope balance work that builds confidence.
- Unicycle – First‑time rides, mounting drills, and simple forward motion.
- Diabolo – Flowing visual art and gravity-defying catches
- Poi – Rhythmic movement and coordination in one activity
- Pedal‑Go (Bicycle‑Sparks) – Coordination drills, perfect for kinetic learners.
- Stilts – Walking tall, posture control, and playful “giant” games.
- And More! Customisable mini‑acts based on audience interest.
All activities are age‑appropriate, with safety gear (helmets, pads, mats) supplied wherever required.
How a Typical Day Unfolds
Morning Arrival – “Open” Station Set‑Up
– Participants wander in, pick a station, and start experimenting.
Skill‑Spotlight Sessions (15‑min each)
– Our coaches rotate through quick demos, offering bite‑size tips.
Mid‑Day Break – Music, Bubbles & Balloon Modelling
– A chance to hydrate, snack, and enjoy our extra entertainment.
Joint Finale (30‑45 min)
– Groups showcase what they’ve learned in a mini‑circus. Parents, teachers, and coworkers cheer on the new “performers.”
Wrap‑Up & Take‑Away
– Certificates, a small ‘circus‑starter kit’, and the promise of next‑time.
“Thank you Tom for a fantastic circus workshop at our Down’s Syndrome fun day. You showed great patience and skill. Your workshop was the highlight of the day.”
— Elsa, Down’s Syndrome Oxford
Capacity: We can train up to 250 pupils in a full‑day schedule by running parallel stations and staggered demo groups.
Perfect Settings for Our Workshops
Setting Why It Works
School Fetes & PTAs Low‑stress environment; kids love the hands‑on challenge.
Corporate Team‑Building Breaks down hierarchy – everyone learns a new skill side‑by‑side.
Community Festivals & Fairs High foot‑traffic means more spontaneous participants.
Charity Fun‑Days (e.g., Down’s Syndrome, Autism, etc.) Inclusive, adaptable activities boost confidence and joy.
Private Parties & Summer Camps Keeps energy up, offers a unique alternative to typical games.
What’s Included in Every Booking?
Circus Equipment: 100+ pieces (juggling clubs, hoops, unicycles, stilts, etc.)
Safety Gear: Helmets, knee/elbow pads, mats, and first‑aid kit.
Professional Coaches & Performers: Certified in child‑safety and adult instruction.
Audio‑Visual Setup: Portable PA system, playlists tailored to the event vibe.
Party Extras: Face painting, play‑tattoos, bubble wands, balloon sculpture station.
Customisable Curriculum: We can focus on a single skill or deliver a broad “circus sampler.”
Risk assessments available on request: standard requirement for school bookings, no problem
Who Are Our Circus Workshops For?
Circus Workshops for Schools
School fetes, enrichment days, PE alternatives, PSHE weeks, anti-bullying week, reward days, circus skills fit into the curriculum in more ways than you’d expect. Activities naturally develop coordination, concentration, resilience, self-confidence, and teamwork. The tight-wire alone is a lesson in persistence.
We work across nursery, primary, and secondary schools throughout Bristol and the wider South West. Sessions can be linked to Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), Physical Education, and SMSC learning outcomes on request.
Corporate Circus Workshops for Team Building
You’d be amazed at what juggling does to a room. Hierarchy disappears. The senior manager drops their clubs next to the intern, who’s somehow managed to figure out the diabolo. It’s one of the few corporate workshop activities that genuinely break down barriers because everyone starts from scratch and improves together.
We run corporate sessions for groups of all sizes, from away-days to large company fun days. If you’re looking for creative workshop ideas for adults that aren’t trust-fall exercises or quizzes, this is it.
Find out more about our corporate events →
Community Festivals and Charity Fun Days
High foot-traffic events are where the open format really shines. There’s no commitment required, someone walking past picks up a hula hoop on a whim, and half an hour later, they’re still there. We’ve run workshops at Down syndrome fun days, autism-friendly events, and community festivals across the region.
Children’s Birthday Parties and Summer Camps
Looking for birthday party activities that aren’t another soft play session? A circus skills workshop keeps energy up, holds attention, and gives kids something genuinely new to try. We offer children’s party packages that can include face painting, balloon modeling, and bubble shows alongside the core skills sessions.
What’s Included in Every Booking?
You don’t need to organize a thing. We arrive with everything:
- 100+ pieces of circus equipment: juggling clubs and balls, hoops, stilts, unicycles, diabolo, poi, tight-wire kit, pedal-goes, and more
- Safety gear: helmets, knee and elbow pads, crash mats, and a first-aid kit on site
- DBS-checked, insured coaches: all performers hold current public liability insurance and are experienced in child safety and adult instruction (please confirm DBS status with Tom before publishing)
- Risk assessments available on request: standard requirement for school bookings, no problem
- Portable PA system: with playlists matched to the event
- Party add-ons: face painting, play tattoos, bubble wands, balloon sculpture station
Everything is self-contained. Indoor and outdoor settings both work. We need reasonable access and a level surface for a few of the activities. We’ll confirm specifics when you get in touch.
Where Do We Cover?
eclipseArts is based in Keynsham, Bristol, and regularly works across:
- Bristol and the surrounding area (no travel charge within Bristol)
- Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon
- South Wales
- Wider UK bookings available, contact us to discuss
Travel is charged at £0.50 per mile outside the Bristol area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a circus workshop cost?
Pricing depends on the duration, number of participants, and any add-ons. We give you a full, transparent quote with no hidden costs. Get in touch, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
How many children can take part at once?
We can accommodate up to 250 pupils in a full-day schedule by running parallel stations and staggered demo groups. For parties and smaller events, sessions work well with groups of 10 or more.
Do you work with SEN and inclusive groups?
Yes. We regularly work in SEN settings and adapt activities to suit different abilities, attention spans, and mobility levels. All circus skills can be modified, the open, non-competitive format tends to work particularly well for children who find structured activities harder.
Is there a risk assessment available?
Yes. We can supply a full risk assessment document for school and formal event bookings. All our performers hold current public liability insurance.
What space do you need?
A school hall, sports hall, or outdoor area works well. We’ll confirm the space requirements based on the activities you choose when you book.
Do you run workshops outside Bristol?
Yes, we cover the South West broadly and take UK-wide bookings. Travel costs apply outside the Bristol area.
Book Your Circus Workshop
If you want your next school event, corporate day, or community festival to be something people actually talk about afterward, get in touch.
We reply within 24 hours with a free, no-obligation quote and ideas specific to your event.
Browse our photo gallery to see recent workshops in action, or read about the benefits of circus skills and the research behind them on our about page.
** Fully DBS Checked, Public Liability Insured, and Full Risk Assessments Provided **
