An award-winning circus company will be bringing free performances to Staffordshire libraries over October half-term.

Contemporary circus company, Upswing, will be running free Circus Explorers sessions for children aged four to eight at five Staffordshire libraries, including Stoke, Tunstall and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The programme is delivered alongside the New Vic Theatre, as part of the Newcastle-under-Lyme theatre-in-the-round's Circus Theatre Partnership with Staffordshire-based company Upswing.

A multi-year programme of work, the Circus Theatre Partnership reflects the two organisations' shared ambition to push the boundaries of circus-theatre performance and bring high-quality theatre and circus to family audiences across the county.

Newcastle-under-Lyme also has a strong historical connection to the origins of modern circus as the birthplace of circus pioneer Philip Astley.

Upswing Artistic Director Vicki Dela Amedume said: "At Upswing, we're interested in the small acts of bravery children show every day, whether that's trying something new, making a friend, asking for help, or getting back up when things don't go to plan.

"Circus gives us a playful and imaginative way to explore those moments together. We're delighted to be working with Staffordshire Libraries and New Vic Theatre to bring these free sessions to families across the county, and excited that the ideas and stories that emerge will help shape a brand-new production for children and families in libraries."

Each Circus Explorers session opens with a short circus performance, which is around 10 to 15 minutes long.

The performance is followed by a 45-minute Stay & Play session led by professional circus artists, in which families are encouraged and supported to try circus skills together and explore what bravery means to them.

The sessions aim to support family learning and early years development through building confidence, communication and creativity, while encouraging exploration of local library spaces.

Families taking part this October will also help shape a touring production Upswing is planning for summer 2027, with activities forming part of the research and development phase of the new show.

New Vic Theatre Head of Education, Jill Rezzano, said: "Circus is a brilliant way to bring families together to play, explore and discover what they're capable of.

"We're delighted to be taking this work into Staffordshire libraries, making it easy for children and their adults to experience high-quality circus and theatre in a familiar, welcoming space.

"As part of our Circus Theatre Partnership with Upswing, these sessions also give families a chance to help shape new work – so their ideas, experiences and creativity can become part of a show that other children and families will enjoy in the future."

Places to attend the free performance and play sessions are limited and must be booked in advance with the relevant library. Families can find full details and book a session by contacting the local libraries directly using the details below.

Upcoming Circus Explorers sessions:

• Tamworth Library: Tuesday 27 October, 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm - [email protected]
• Cannock Library: Wednesday 28 October, 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm - [email protected]
• Newcastle-under-Lyme Library: Thursday 29 October,10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm - [email protected]
• Tunstall Library: Friday 30 October, 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm - [email protected]
• Stoke Library: Saturday 31 October,11:00-12:00pm - [email protected]