Last year was the first year for Underbelly’s Circus Hub, and I’m delighted it is returning for 2016 with an even bigger programme of circus and physical theatre !

Located on The Meadows, Underbelly’s Circus Hub is made up of two big tops, the Lafayette and The Beauty. The two venues are named after one of the world’s most famous circus performers and illusionists, (The Great Lafayette and his dog Beauty, who famously both died in Edinburgh in 1911) and promise to present us with spectacular and technically ambitious circus work .

Fantastically there are some children’s shows included in the programme and some family friendly treats too, but what looks even better are the Family Circus Workshops – meaning you and your children can actually run away with the circus and learn some skills! Happening every day from the 8th-21st August (except 15th) From aerial to juggling, hula-hooping to acrobatics. There’s all the fun of the fair in these great taster sessions designed for parents and their kids. Taught by experts from Edinburgh’s new circus centre Full Cirqle. Places are limited so book now! Workshops last for 60 minutes and each ticket admits one adult and one child.  Be quick – some workshops are sold out already ….

Bedtime Stories – New for this year, this show looks great – combining circus with story telling. Immerse yourself in a magical journey. Celebrate that magical time of the day when stresses and strains of life melt away and enter a world of imagination and dreams with Bedtime Stories. Tucked up with your family in a bedroom installation, take this chance to unwind and be dazzled with circus, theatre, dance and projections from circus pioneers Upswing.   4th – 22nd August

Trash Test Dummies – Woo hoo ! These guys are returning and I loved the show last year (see my review here). This trio of lovable clowns can do amazing things with the wheely bin ! It is definitely worth checking out, with great music and fantastic circus and acrobatic skills it’s suitable for all the family.  4th – 21st August

The Hogswallops – Also returning to Edinburgh this year, The Hogswallops is a fun and quirky circus show, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Watch the domestic adventures of a chaotic family of misfits, and be inspired by the specially composed live score.