Taking place every June since 2014, The Homecoming is an award-winning, one-day circus-inspired extravaganza in Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre, Staffordshire which celebrates 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. 

The Homecoming brings the circus back to Newcastle-under-Lyme with a day of outdoor performance by artists from the UK and around the world springing up throughout the town centre, from traditional and contemporary circus to dance, theatre and more, all in celebration of this local legend.

NEW 2021 CLOWN SIDESHOWS…

A Bunch of Clowns run riot, wreak havoc and play the fool with funny flash mob dance routines, comedy sketches and joyous silliness to mend your aching heart.

Catch Clown About Town too if you can!