Circus / circomedia

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

By Martin Booth  Friday Mar 15, 2024

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.

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

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 [email protected] about supporter packages or consider gifting a donation.

Main photo: Circomedia

Read next:

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: