Amazing auction prizes announced for Circomedia’s 30th anniversary gala

Circomedia, Bristol’s world famous centre of circus and physical theatre, is celebrating its 30th birthday with an extra special celebration.

The Spring Gala takes place in Circomedia’s St Paul’s Church on Portland Square on March 23, raising essential funds to support the charity’s circus programmes for children, young people, communities and circus artists

The evening promises “mesmerising entertainment” including “extraordinary” circus performances presented in cabaret style.

Alongside aerial and acrobatics, and juggling of course, R&B and soul singer Ruby Turner will be accompanied by John O’Hara of Jethro Tull on piano, as well as special performances from Circomedia’s own alumni and students.

As part of the fundraising event, Circomedia will be holding an auction with East Bristol Auctions, which will feature a range of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes.

Auction items have been generously donated to Circomedia by friends, colleagues and peers – image: Circomedia

Circomedia CEO, Zannah Chisholm, said: “The Spring Gala is a celebratory event as part of our 30th anniversary.

“It will be a joyous evening that guests will remember for a long time. At the same time, it will raise vital funds for the continued survival of Circomedia.

“Like many charities, companies and organisations across the country, we are under enormous financial pressure.

“By taking part in this wonderful event, guests can rest assured that the money raised will help to keep Circomedia’s work as an important part of the cultural life of Bristol and beyond, whilst protecting the future of performing arts in the city and wider region.”

Here are the auction prizes:

• An original signed illustration of Wallace and Gromit hand painted by Nick Park
• A juggling show performed in your home or private event by world record breaking juggler and Circomedia linchpin Rod Laver
• A group African drumming workshop with celebrated local artist and teacher, Norman ‘Rubba’ Stephenson
• A unique opportunity to be editor for the day at Bristol24/7, under the guidance of the usual editor, Martin Booth
• A one-to-one corde lisse (rope) lesson with renowned aerial artist and innovator, Dr Jonathan Priest
• A bespoke three-hour pottery masterclass for up to six people at the Wild Pottery Studio
• Be Paul McGann’s guest for the day at Portsmouth Doctor Who Comic-Con on May 11
• Star in a 90-second short film with Joe Sims and Jayde Adams, written especially for you by Catherine Johnson
• Four tickets to Mama Mia at the Novello Theatre in the West End as guests of the show’s writer, Catherine Johnson
• Be the very first guests invited to Derren Brown’s yet-to-be announced 2025 tour and join Derren for a meet and greet after the show.
• A masterclass with music legend John O’Hara
• Join theatre director Emma Rice behind the scenes of Wise Children’s new production, The Buddha of Suburbia, ahead of the show’s world premiere at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon
• Accompany Sir Tony Robinson in June for the filming of Time Team on location at Sutton Hoo
• A day-for-two on the set of Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small as personal guests of show director Andy Hay

For more information and to buy tickets for the Spring Gala, visit www.circomedia.com/spring-gala

If you are not able to attend but would like to support Circomedia, email boxoffice@circomedia.com about supporter packages or consider gifting a donation.

Main photo: Circomedia

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