What is Festival Circolo?

We are the biggest fan (of circus)

Circus is the most exciting and spectacular cultural form we know. Festival Circolo lovingly honours its rich past and keeps an open eye to the future. Because we absolutely disagree with the idea that circus is something from the past.

In fact: circus is more relevant than ever! Circus is always in motion. And is therefore able to reflect and respond to human existence. On the themes and challenges that concern us all. By presenting contemporary circus, we give our visitors a new view of circus and the world. Never with a raised finger, but always through the power of surprise and astonishment.

We give artistic top athletes, pioneers, daredevils and go-getters a stage. We make voices audible that need to be heard and that we fully endorse. And we love to see our audience with open mouths, big eyes, sweaty hands and gnashing teeth. Because at Festival Circolo, you will discover how extraordinary people and their stories are. And you are guaranteed to become a circus fan, just like us!

Nice and all, but eh, what is Festival Circolo?

Good question. Festival Circolo is the biggest circus festival in the Netherlands. From 21 to 30 October, we present ten days of circus of the highest level. The heart of the festival is located in Tilburg’s Spoorpark There you’ll find several circus tents, food trucks, playgrounds and an outdoor stage where daily free circus performances can be seen. There are also performances at other locations in the city.

What exactly is ‘contemporary circus’?

Again, a good question. Contemporary circus is difficult to capture in a single word. It is a love child of circus, theatre, dance, music, design, visual arts and everything that is fantasised about. This could be circus and drag, circus and illusionism but also circus and breakdance or opera. Anything is possible… well, almost anything. In the contemporary circus, there is no room for classical clowns between various separate acts. Because we know that trick already. We prefer to focus on the story, the characters and the form. And not to forget the life-threatening tricks, breathtaking stunts and incredible body movements. Because we won’t change a thing about that recipe for success.

Who is Festival Circolo for?

Festival Circolo is for everyone who wants to treat their senses to spectacle, excitement and beauty. Hearing impaired or not, visually impaired or a perfect sight, able-bodied and disabled, 4 or 104 years old: there is a place for everyone at our festival. The circus is a universal language that transcends all barriers and borders and is therefore accessible to everyone. Discover on our programme page which performance suits you best!