Thirty-three years after the departure of Glasgow’s beloved annual International Circus, visitors to Kelvin Hall can once again experience it first hand.
Aerial Edge, Glasgow’s own Circus School, has this month taken up temporary residence in the recently reroofed, undeveloped vaults within the iconic west end building.
Home to Scotland’s only Flying Trapeze, students aged from seven to 76 travel from across the country to live out that childhood dream of flying through the air in adrenaline filled classes.
Having vacated from their previous venue located at The Briggait due to planned renovation works, the move to Kelvin Hall, a building rich in sport, culture and heritage, has brought forth many stories from students and curious visitors alike about the old Glasgow Circus.
One student, Elspeth Cunningham, 76, sharing fond memories of the times spent at the Kelvin Hall Circus as a young girl with her family, admiring the live elephants and tigers as well as trapeze artists and clowns.
She said: “I was sitting at Aerial Edge this afternoon, just sitting all by myself thinking. I looked towards these magnificent doors and thought of the wee girl who used to come here after the war… The circus was the most wonderful thing in the world and now here I am; performing, playing, having fun in circus at Aerial Edge.
"The excitement I felt on seeing the big doors - was akin to the excitement I felt when I found Aerial Edge encouraging people like me to join in."
Not only does this move mark a new chapter for the history of the company but also brings Glasgow’s affinity with circus into the modern age where community, sport and culture mix.
Jade Graham, Programme Manager, Kelvin Hall said: “Kelvin Hall has hosted the circus and carnival since 1929 and so many of our patrons memories are of coming to visit this as children.
"We hope that our visitors continue to make wonderful memories here as we are planning lots of Circus-based celebrations throughout the coming year. We are delighted to welcome Aerial Edge to the building and look forward to collaborating with them for Circus 250.”
