A free outdoor circus takeover of Croydon High Street. Celebrating where circus has come from and the artists who are creating it today.
This July, we’re transforming Croydon High Street into an open-air circus for the whole family. Experience unmissable aerial and acrobatic performances above and around you, dive into fun hands-on circus workshops, and let your creativity run free with craft activities, all part of a packed programme across the weekend.
Discover Miss La La, Degas and Croydon
Miss La La was one of the most celebrated circus performers of the 19th century. An Afro-German aerialist whose feats of strength were so extraordinary that Edgar Degas attended her performances four nights running and painted her suspended high above the Cirque Fernando, held only by her jaw.
That painting now hangs at full scale in Croydon as part of the National Gallery’s Art on Your Doorstep programme, and this July, Upswing is bringing the street to life in her honour.
Plan your visit
The event runs across two days on Croydon High Street. There are performances from roller skating and hula hoop to aerial silks and acrobatics,, crafts activities, workshops and a DJ spinning a mix of afrobeats and classical to set the scene on both days. Something for younger children, older children and adults at every turn – reason enough to make a day of it in Croydon.
When:
Saturday 4 July, 1pm to 6pm
Sunday 5 July, 12pm to 5pm
Where:
High Street, Croydon
See the exact location on Google Maps
What Three Words: ///fired.young.crab
Cost:
All of the activities are totally free
Getting there
Croydon is easily accessible from across London, with direct services from London Bridge, Clapham Junction and London Victoria to East Croydon. Alternatively, get to West Croydon via the Overground Windrush Line. Many buses run directly to Croydon Town Centre. The nearest Croydon Tramlink stop is George Street. Plan your journey.
Please note that audience photographs/video will be taken during the event. If you do not want your photo or video taken please make one of our staff aware.
Attending
Performances – Drop-in throughout both days, so come and go as you please.
Workshops – Sign-ups on the day at the info desk. They’ll include beginner acrobatics, hula hooping and aerial tasters. suitable for children aged 5 and up, with adult participation very much encouraged too.
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Our artists
For Miss La La celebrates a new generation of circus voices, supporting Black and Global Majority creators, women and non-binary artists to make original work inspired by the legacy of Miss La La. With Upswing’s support, many of the artists performing have made brand new outdoor work especially for this event, giving you the chance to discover the next wave of contemporary circus. We will be introducing all of the artists involved over on our Instagram and Facebook.
For Miss La La is commissioned by Culture Croydon
