User:Emarzannn/sandbox

Giffords Circus
Giffords Circus is a traditional English circus which tours the Cotswolds area every summer.

Established in 2000, Giffords Circus is a small circus company that delivers circus / theatre fusion to the villages and market towns of the south west. It combines dance, comedy, horses and live music in a two-hour show, located on village greens in a small white tent surrounded by handmade burgundy and gold showman’s wagons. Giffords Circus was founded and is run by Nell and Toti Gifford who, when not on the road, concentrate on landscape architecture. Nell is the sister of the designer Emma Bridgewater.

Giffords Circus has showcased their magnificent work to over 650,000 people while working alongside very talented performers since their start in 2000. The acts include gypsy violinists, tap dancers, tightrope walkers, trapeze artistes, stunt riders, opera singers, magicians, illusionists and gymnasts.

Food on The Road
A very unique aspect of Giffords Circus that was started in 2003 is the travelling 60-seat restaurant that follows them to each place they perform at. The restaurant serves a 3-course meal that changes each week depending on the location of the ground the circus sets up on. The circus gives back to the community by supporting local farmers, butchers, and greengrocers. Some food you can expect from the travelling restaurant is freshly baked bread and butter, lamb hotpots, crisp pork, hearty fish pies, treacle puddings and more.

Merchandise
Giffords Circus also offers a huge collection of items to purchase such as books, clothing, mugs, bags, jewelry, posters, programs, and more.

The First Circus
The first modern circus was showcased in London on January 9th 1768 by Englishman Philip Astley. Astley’s trick riding was favored by many resulting in him adding other equestrians, a clown, and musicians to his act. In 1770 Atley built a roof over his ring and created what many called Astley’s Amphitheater.

America's First Circus
An English equestrian by the name of John Bill Ricketts opened the first circus on American soil in 1792 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Another circus by the name “The Greatest Show on Earth” was opened in Brooklyn, New York in 1871 by William Cameron Coup and showman P.T. Barnum.