Sadly we can’t bring The Homecoming to Newcastle Town Centre this Saturday so instead we’ll be celebrating online! This Saturday 27 June join us on Facebook as we look back on six years of The Homecoming with never-before-seen footage.
Taking place every June, The Homecoming is a one-day circus-inspired extravaganza which takes over Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre to celebrate the life and legacy of local-born legend and ‘father of the modern circus’, Philip Astley.
Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1742, the son of a cabinet-maker, Astley, became a war hero and celebrated trick rider who brought together acrobats, clowns and riders into a 42-foot ring – the standard size of a circus ring still used today – to invent the modern circus as we know it. Learn more about Astley and his incredible life at https://www.philipastley.org.uk/
Since 2014, The Homecoming has been bringing the circus back to Newcastle-under-Lyme with a day of outdoor performance springing up throughout the town centre, from traditional and contemporary circus to dance, theatre and more, all in celebration of this local legend.
Join us this Saturday as we premiere never-before-seen footage on Facebook throughout the day, featuring some incredible peformances that have been part of Homecomings gone-by – from astonishing juggling in 8 Songs by Gandini and the hilarious acrobatic antics of the AcroChaps to quirky bucket-filled fun in Full Circle by Avanti Display and the untameable feathery creatures, Person Birds by Maison Foo.
Plus, we’re calling on you to take part! Share your own photos and favourite memories of previous events with us on Facebook or Instagram using #TheHomecoming and #LoveNUL.
Tune into Appetite and Newcastle BID’s Facebook from 10am to 8pm this Saturday 27 June to watch and take part.
The Homecoming is delivered by Newcastle Business Improvement District (BID) and Appetite in partnership with Newcastle Borough Council and is supported by National Lottery through Arts Council of England and the Without Walls Touring Network Partnership.
