Around 1825, American J.Purdy Brown began staging shows that included a ‘Big Top.’ It is not known why he decided to install the tents, but they are still a great innovation. In recent years, tents have become more popular again. They are used at weddings and parties as well as music festivals and for glamping, for example. When you want Marquee Hire Cheltenham for your celebrations and events, consider a site like goodintents.co.uk/marquee-hire-near-me/marquee-hire-cheltenham
The circus is a relatively new attraction, but its origins can be traced back to the Roman Amphitheatres. Romans enjoyed gladiatorial battles, chariot racing and animal blood sports. Circus Maximus, the most spectacular and longest-running of all these circuses, lasted for over 1000 years.
In Egypt, juggling and acrobatics were performed as early as 2500 BC. The ancient Chinese performed similar acts before members of the imperial courts. William the Conqueror imported rope dancers and contortionists to England in the 11th century. The large travelling and organised circus we know today did not exist yet.
In 1768, a former sergeant-major, Philip Astley, decided to become an expert horse trick rider. In addition, he is credited for the adoption of the 42-foot diameter ring still used today in circuses. In 1770, he hired a magician, musicians and other performers. He also built a roof and stage over his ring.
As circuses began travelling and not remaining in a single location, the Big Top was invented to be moved between locations. After WWII, the popularity of circuses began to decrease. The public’s tastes were evolving and becoming more sophisticated with the advent of television. Since the 1960s, the use of animals in circuses has been criticised. If the circus is to survive, they will need to adapt.
In the 1970s, the contemporary circus was born. It placed an emphasis on the performing arts and the focus became more on the look of the show, clever lighting, design and music. Animal acts are no longer common. Cirque du soleil, a Canadian circus company that has performed in more than 200 cities across five continents to over 900,000,000 people, is the most popular of these new circuses. These days, the feats that impress spectators are more acrobatics, aerial stunts, and of course – the human cannonball.
