What We Offer
A fantastic range of shows
for a range of fantastic events.
We offer a diverse set of circus skills and specialisms to choose from. Our performers have years of experience from a wide variety of events: from public fairs and festivals to private weddings and corporate functions.
Below, you can find information on the circus arts we specialise in, the different types of performances we provide, and FAQs.
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Aerial
A popular form of performance artistry, aerialists soar through the air, executing impossible-looking feats of acrobatics high above the ground. Whether doing dramatic drops in the Silks or hanging from the Hoop by heels alone, aerialists are a phenomenal spectacle.
Some venues already feature suitable rigging for aerial arts. The Half Moon Circus also have our own aerial frame: a free-standing rig, up to 3.5m in height, which allows us to perform anywhere.
Aerialists are a favourite at large-scale events, where their height can catch attention across a wide area. However, they can adapt to fit any size or style of event or venue, with performances for all occasions. The Half Moon Circus specialise in aerial hoop, but silks are available.
Please note: for outside events, aerialists are weather dependent. The frame is not suitable for use in rain or excessive wind.
Fire Arts
Who doesn’t love fire?
We love it too, although we don’t love breathing it: turns out it’s bad for the lungs. But we do juggle flaming clubs, spin chains of fire poi in beautiful patterns, and use it in incredible routines. You won’t want to look away for a second.
We recommend fire for evening performances for the best visibility. It’s suitable for any event.
As you can imagine, fire does come with risks. Our team are all safety trained, perform regular equipment checks and risk assessments, and will walk you through the requirements and preparations to ensure all the excitement stays firmly within the designated performance area.
Please note: Fire artists are weather dependent. Fire is not suitable for indoor events, or rainy/excessively windy conditions.
Magic
The Half Moon Circus like to make every performance magical, but our card magicians are especially good at it. Years of practice give them the power to mystify and astound with mind-boggling vanishes, impossible productions, mind reading, and flawless execution.
Magicians are incredibly mobile: a pack of cards and some people to amaze and they’re good to go, making them a popular option for both small and large events of every kind. We’ve performed at weddings, corporate dinners, birthday parties, markets, nightclubs, indoors, outdoors, and everything inbetween. We are also skilled at commanding attention from a stage, and are more than happy to discuss choreographed routines.
Please note: Although magicians don’t mind being rained on, we recommend transferring inside in the case of bad weather. Wind might make the cards vanish, but it also makes it much harder to bring them back again.
Juggling & Flow Arts
Once you practice enough, you can juggle anything: fruit, eggs, bowling balls, you name it. Our personal favourite is knives: shimmering blades of real steel that spin through the air, as our team skillfully manipulate them in daring displays of dexterity. If you’d like something less dramatic (but no less impressive), we also juggle clubs and regular or LED juggling balls.
Flow arts include freestyle performance with poi, contact balls, LED, devil sticks, and many other circus arts. The skill is defined by flowing from one move to the next seamlessly.
Jugglers and flow artists are great for all occasions. They are especially suited to fairs, festivals and parades, where they can move freely around the site, performing as they go.
Please note: Juggling outdoors is weather dependent. Clubs and knives are not suitable for excessively windy conditions.
Anything else?
Much more. The above describes just a few of our specialisms. We also have experience in acrobatics, stiltwalking, contact staff… the list keeps going. And we’re always working hard: both to learn new skills and strengthen old ones.
If there is anything we can’t provide, we undoubtedly know someone who can. We have an extensive network of professional and experienced performers – many of whom we are lucky to share a close friendship with – and will be happy to subcontract in whatever help we need to fit your preferences.
Performance Types
We offer two main styles of performance: jamming/freestyle, and routines.
Jamming/Freestyle
Jamming, or freestyle performance, is an unscripted performance style. Its lack of defined structure allows our performers’ experience to shine through in spontaneous creativity, flowing from one move to the next. This allows our performers to pace themselves: gauging when to pull out our most impressive tricks and engage with the crowd. We can have conversations, crack jokes and show an interest in our audience, all without breaking stride. As a result, this style is ideal for longer public events like festivals: there is always a spectacle to catch the eye, and passersby can watch as long as they like.
Routines
Routines involve carefully choreographed and practiced performances. They encompass a designated amount of time, and are often tailored to specific pieces of music. Precision, self-expression and the full skill of our performers culminate in shorter shows of greater impact, which can then be repeated. The reduced length means we can put our all into dazzling and amazing without conserving energy. The set timings make routines perfect for tightly scheduled or short occasions like weddings or parties, where the full amount of wonder can be displayed while fitting a time slot.
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FAQs
Will you come in costume?
Of course! What would a circus be without costumes?
If your event follows a specific theme, let us know. We will endeavour to fit to your requirements, with a flourish of our own personal style.
Can I have a mixture of jamming and routines?
Yes! Some events work well with constant performing, interspersed with short choreographed shows.
Do you do charity rates?
If you are a charity or non-profit, let us know in your inquiry and we can arrange a special rate. Please note we may ask for proof of registration as a non-profit, and we may not be able to reduce travel costs.
Can I make last minute changes to my booking?
If you need to change something about your booking, we ask you let us know as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements. If you request a change within the 72 hours before the scheduled performance, we will do what we can, but cannot guarantee our ability to accommodate major changes at short notice.
More details can be found in your booking form. Alternatively, get in touch.
I sent an inquiry, why haven’t I heard back?
We check our inbox regularly, and aim to respond within 2-3 working days. If you haven’t heard from us within that time, please check your spam or junk folder.
We have an automatic ‘out of office’ response if we are unavailable for long periods of time.
If you’re the circus, can I run away with you?
Buy us dinner first.
Do you teach classes?
We don’t run regular classes, but we can provide beginner-friendly circus workshops and taster sessions for birthdays, festivals and more upon request. These can be adapted to suit all ages. Please contact us if you’re interested.
All of our performers are DBS checked and safeguarding trained. DBS certificates can be provided upon request.
Is that real magic?
We might joke that it is, but in reality, it’s very clever sleight of hand. If you have concerns about magic for religious or personal reasons, but still want to enjoy our magicians, please rest assured that we aren’t practising the dark arts: we’re just very talented.
How did you do that trick?
It’s a secret. You can ask, but the answer won’t be sensible (or honest).
What type of performance is best for my event?
Every event is different, and we want to help you find the best option for yours. We are happy to advise you based on what you have in mind, just drop us an email and we’ll get back to you with ideas.
Are you insured?
Yes. Insurance details will be made available upon request.
Will you travel to my event if it isn’t in Lancaster?
We are happy to travel to and from events at any distance, if given sufficient notice. Compensation for travel costs will be required, and can be discussed before finalising a booking.
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