A Visit to: Cirquoise at Gates Garden Centre | Summer Circus Entertainment Returns for 2026

There are some places we find ourselves returning to year after year, and Cirquoise at Gates Garden Centre has definitely become one of them. So, when we heard the Big Top was returning for 2026, we couldn't wait to head back and see what this year's show had in store.

Running from Thursday 30th July until Sunday 16th August, Cirquoise once again brings world-class circus entertainment to one of our favourite local destinations. If you're searching for family days out near Rutland or wondering what to do during the summer holidays, this is certainly one to add to your list.

Every year, the show feels fresh, and 2026 is no exception.

This season introduces an exciting new cast of performers from around the world, including Mexican juggler Roberto Carlos, who joins the production straight from Cirque du Soleil, alongside the incredibly talented contortionist Natty, the gravity-defying Sofani & Beki with their spectacular Icarian Games routine and an impressive new aerial chain performance by Salvatore. Combined with the show's much-loved clowning, aerial artistry and breathtaking acrobatics.

What makes Cirquoise stand out, though, isn't just the talent inside the ring. It's how wonderfully family-friendly the whole experience feels.

The performance lasts just over an hour, making it the perfect length for younger children without losing the attention of older ones or adults. As parents, we know that taking little ones to live shows can sometimes feel a little daunting, but Cirquoise manages to remove that pressure completely.

The seating is relaxed, and the atmosphere is welcoming. This year, Stanley decided halfway through the performance that he should demonstrate his own circus and magic tricks to Mummy and Daddy.

Thankfully, everyone around us was simply smiling along. Oh, to be three!

It's those little moments that make the experience feel so enjoyable, and that's why we continue to recommend it to other local families.

One of the things we also love about visiting Cirquoise at Gates Garden Centre is that it's so much more than simply watching a show. We always arrive early to make the most of our visit, whether that's wandering around the beautiful garden centre, picking up a few treats from Gates Farm Shop or enjoying a snack outside the Big Top.

Of course, no circus visit would be complete without popcorn, candyfloss and doughnuts, all of which are available alongside hot dogs and drinks before the performance begins. It all adds to the excitement and makes the whole visit feel like a proper summer day out.

If you are planning a visit, we'd definitely recommend arriving around 45 minutes before your performance. Not only will you have time to enjoy the atmosphere before the show starts, but you'll also have a much better choice of seats.

Cirquoise returns to Gates Garden Centre until Sunday 16th August 2026, with performances taking place every day except Mondays. Shows run at 11 am and 3 pm from Tuesday to Friday, while Saturdays offer performances at 11 am, 2 pm and 4.30 pm. On Sundays, performances take place at 11 am and 3 pm.

Another reason we think Cirquoise has become such a popular local attraction is its affordability. Tickets are priced at £9.99 on weekdays and £11.99 at weekends, while children under two can attend free of charge when sitting on a parent's lap. Combined with free parking at Gates Garden Centre, it's an accessible and affordable day out for families across Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.

People often ask us whether the show is suitable for babies and toddlers, and our answer is always the same: absolutely! Stanley is 3 years old, and this is his third year enjoying Cirqoise at Gates Garden Centre.

As local family attractions go, Cirquoise has firmly earned its place as one of our favourite summer recommendations. Whether it's your very first visit or you've made it part of your own family tradition, it's one of those experiences that captures everything we love about the school holidays, spending quality time together, making memories and discovering brilliant events happening right here on our doorstep.

Cirquoise is at Gates Garden Centre from Thursday, 30th July until Sunday, 16th August 2026.

Booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and throughout the school holidays.

Everything you need to know:

• 📍 Location: Cirquoise Big Top at Gates Garden Centre, 2 Somerby Rd, Cold Overton, LE15 7QB

• 📅 Dates: Thursday 30th July – Sunday 16th August 2026

• 🎪 Show Length: Just over one hour

• ⏰ Performance Times: Tuesday–Friday: 11 am & 3 pm, Saturday: 11 am, 2 pm & 4.30 pm, Sunday: 11 am & 3 pm (No performances on Mondays)

• 🎟️ Ticket Prices: £9.99 weekdays | £11.99 weekends

• 👶 Under 2s: FREE when sitting on a parent's lap

• 🚗 Parking: FREE parking at Gates Garden Centre

• 🍿 Food & Drink: Popcorn, candyfloss, doughnuts, hot dogs and drinks available before the show

• ⭐ Top Tip: Book in advance, especially for weekend performances and during the school holidays, as shows are popular. Arrive around 45 minutes early to explore Gates Garden Centre and Gates Farm Shop before the performance.

How to book? Click here! Charlie

@rutlandblog

Please note: This experience is marked as an AD because it has been kindly gifted in exchange for content creation and my honest review, feedback and testimonial, as always reflecting my genuine opinions.