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Circus & Street Performance in Reading

Circus round Reading isn't just one big top pitching up once a year. CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, right in the centre, runs a Friday reggae night alongside steel pan and drum kit lessons for ages 7 and up, and the under-16s workshop costs nothing to join. Out at Slough, Leo's Circus teaches trapeze, aerial hoop and silks, building towards a mini show in front of an audience, with birthday parties and school visits on offer too. Zippos Circus pitches its big top a drive out at Newbury, all ages welcome. For toddlers and younger children, Zippos is the easy option: acrobats and performers, no animals, about an hour and three quarters with an interval, plus baby change and a cafe on site. Older children who fancy having a go themselves are better served by Leo's classes, working up to something they perform in rather than just watch. If budget matters, CultureMix's free workshop for under-16s is the one to book first, and it's indoors whatever the forecast.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit