Bringing the extraordinary to Worthing - Summer of Circus
Since 2016, Summer of Circus has transformed Worthing into a thrilling hub of world-class circus, theatre, dance, music and street arts. This year, the festival returns with an unforgettable programme of gravity-defying acrobatics, daring aerial performances, laugh-out-loud physical theatre and interactive fun for all ages.
At the heart of the action is Showdown – a high-octane circus contest where six acrobats battle for the spotlight in a satirical game show with jaw-dropping stunts and razor-sharp humour. The best part? The audience decides the winner.
Love chaos, glitter and a party you’ll never forget? Sophie’s Surprise 29th is part circus, part cabaret, and pure mayhem. Expect Twilight fan fiction, death-defying stunts, and the kind of birthday party only Cirque du Soleil could dream up (if they liked fan fiction and chaos).
For something poetic and powerful, Gobbess blends aerial hoop and spoken word in a bold solo performance exploring identity, queerness and creativity through movement and storytelling.
Outdoors, don’t miss Pirate Taxi – a visually stunning show performed in and around a real London cab, with live music, inventive aerial choreography and themes of migration, friendship and finding your way.
There’s plenty for families too. Out of the Box is a playful visual adventure full of clever surprises and physical comedy, while Family Circus Day offers free, drop-in workshops in juggling, hula hooping, poi spinning and more.
Rounding off the season is Cocoon – a striking aerial theatre piece set in a hair salon that explores disability, Black culture, and moments of vulnerability with humour and heart.