Inside the Big Top

We went up to Minchinhampton Common after lunch to watch the revellers going to Gifford's Circus for the matinee performance. This circus is a local treasure, an old-fashioned family run affair, which travels around suitable localities in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire each summer. They have traditional wagons and caravans which they park up on open spaces and rig their Big Top beside their settlement. This summer they are staying on the common for about a week with two or three performances every day.

I have been a couple of times since moving here, but Helena goes much more often, especially when we have friends or family staying. I saw the circus earlier in the year camped beside Gloucester Docks, when I was strolling there looking for blips. They hadn't started their performances then, so there was much activity, and I decided to return one day to take photos.

We didn't have tickets or intend to watch today, so I asked the ticket inspector, another lady in red jacket, sheer stockings, high heels and a very big white feather hat, if I could peek inside and take some pictures. She said yes with a big kindly smile, so I climbed the steps up to the back of the banked seating. I only managed a few shots as the tent filled up. All the performers multi-task with clowns, acrobats, horse riders, geese and various villains all making appearances. I was sorry that the small orchestra hadn't arrived yet, as they are usually fine musicians from all over Europe. Most years they find their way into Stroud after their evening's work, and often play their music for fun in a local cafe.

Apparently there is a bad man on the prowl and this plod was shouting out to warn the audience to beware, and keep an eye out for the man on his Wanted poster. When I left soon after, as I thought the performance was about to start, I spotted the villain lurking under the seats, trying to hide from the peeping eyes of little children. I don't think he will stay free for long.

Toti and Nell Gifford started Giffords Circus in 2000. Their vision was of a miniature village green circus, packed, rowdy, glamorous - birds and horses and motorbikes bursting from a fluttering white tent - a show for rural families, farmers and filmstars.

Since 2000 the Giffords Circus company of painted wagons has toured the rural Southwest, moving every week, and entertained over 250,000 people.

Giffords Circus has become synonymous for the inspiring musicality that each show is filled with. You can listen to snippets from our previous shows by using The Music Box, or read more about the Musical Director Sarah Llewellyn here.