Roll up! Roll up! Circus Vegas is in town! In Belfast from the 16th to the 27th of April, Circus Vegas is the UK’s largest touring circus, promising acrobatics, clowns and an all American themed good time.
We went last night to celebrate our very own Chris ‘DJ Trampcorpse’ Caldwell‘s birthday and had a great time. There aren’t any animals in this circus (except for two ponies available for pictures during intermission), so you don’t need to worry about all that. Instead, Circus Vegas is packed with daredevil style stunts, wacky jokes and even some freestyle motorcross action.
Situated right beside T13 in the Titanic Quarter, the big top doesn’t look as impressive as it usually would. However, that probably has something to do with Samson and Goliath the massive Harland and Wolff cranes looming over it. There’s parking available in the T13 car park, but be warned, it’s pay and display 24 hours a day.
Tickets are available at the box office (and not on Ticketmaster, like some flyers say), and it’s a staggering £16 on weekdays, or £10 at weekends. Yet if you have one of these flyers (found in most of your local shops or businesses) it’s half price.
The first half kicks off with King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis, serenading the audience. Then there’s everything from dancing showgirls to contortionists. The birthday boy even gets pulled up to join the clown for some light exercise.
During the interval there’s the usual, popcorn, candy floss and ice cream (all £2), alongside fizzy drinks and even a chippy van so you definitely won’t go hungry. There’s also face painting and pony rides to keep the kids occupied.
After the break, the action ramps up and we meet Hercules the strong man, and there’s a very impressive rope act that has you on the edge of your seat. Mr Smith was my favourite, an old man who’s incredibly good with a trampoline. It was quite Charlie Chaplin-esque slapstick humour which everyone can enjoy.
The show goes out with a bang, literally. The UK Freestyle Moto-Cross team perform some scary scary stunts to finish off the evening. It’s a bit loud, so bring some ear protection if you’re nervous! All in all this is one of the best circuses that I think I’ve ever seen. I was a bit sceptical at first, as I thought it would just be the same old, same old, but Circus Vegas is definitely something different!
