Quote from Penny McCarthy on April 14, 2025, 9:59 am

24, 25, 26 May 2025, tickets available at hrp.org.uk 

From 24-26 May, the spectacular gardens at Hampton Court Palace will be transformed into a family-friendly festival of fun, bursting with live music, dazzling acrobatics, and high-energy physical theatre. This late May Bank Holiday, visitors to the palace will be swept up in a whirlwind of joy as The Big Bahooey brings world-class circus acts, mischievous comedic characters, and roguish street performers to life in an interactive, laugh-out-loud festival celebration.

Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity that loves and looks after Hampton Court Palace – has teamed up with experienced show-makers Cirque Bijou. Together, they will deliver an action-packed day festival suitable for all ages. There’s something for everyone – from breathtaking stunts to slapstick comedy, interactive performances to toe-tapping gigs, and hands-on workshops where you can learn tricks of the trade.

Entrance to The Big Bahooey is included in the ticket for Hampton Court Palace. In addition to the thrills and giggles of the festival, both little and big adventurers alike can take on the challenge of the world-famous hedge maze, unleash their imagination in the Magic Garden playground and explore one of Britain’s most iconic palaces.

What’s in store at The Big Bahooey:

• Dazzling Circus & Street Shows: Marvel at a gravity-defying aerialist, mesmerising jugglers and world-class acrobats.
• Silent Disco: Don a pair of headphones and dance your heart out.
• Slapstick & Street Theatre: Stumble upon side-splitting comedy, meet whimsical characters, and expect mischief and mayhem at every turn.
• Hands-On Circus Workshops: Learn from the professionals and master a new skill like juggling, wire walking or spinning plates.
• Interactive Fun & Audience Participation: Get involved in pop-up performances, unexpected surprises, and moments of playful spontaneity.
• Delicious Street Food & Picnicking Perfection: Refuel with tasty treats from food trucks or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass while soaking up the lively festival atmosphere.

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone.  Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk

 Cirque Bijou

Cirque Bijou are a leading and pioneering creator of narrative-based, large-scale performance with circus at its heart. With over 25 years’ experience making unique shows for outdoor, indoor, site specific, stadium, theatre and commercial events, they bring a wealth of technical expertise, creative innovation, and a vast network of artistic collaborators.

Cirque Bijou seek out the new, unexpected and extraordinary, creating distinctive and unforgettable performance for any stage or space.  From the drawing board to the final show, Cirque Bijou works collaboratively to bring people, storytelling and technology together in collective celebration and experience.