Philip Astley Project

In 2018, on the 250th anniversary of the modern circus, the Philip Astley Project celebrated the father of the modern circus - Philip Astley. Astley, born in 1742, was the first person to bring together acts such as acrobats, clowns and trick riders in a 42ft ring - an entertainment we now know as circus.
Find out more: www.philipastley.org.uk
The Philip Astley Project celebrated Astley in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Staffordshire town where Astley spent his early life. The project was managed by Staffordshire University on behalf of a steering group of arts, heritage, statutory and educational institutions working in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and beyond.
This film is part of a resource pack created by Inspired Film and Video in collaboration with Andrew Van Buren, Ray Johnson MBE, the Brampton Museum and Staffordshire University to celebrate 250 years of circus. This film and the Philip Astley Project was funded by a Heritage Lottery grant.