Wednesday

The ‘unofficial launch’ of the festival is on Wednesday 8th July… we just couldn’t fit it all in over four days!

        St Sampson’s Primary School : Variety Show

        6 - 7 pm : The Big Top

        Bradon Forest : Farndale Avenue

        7.30 - 9.30 pm : The Theatre : £4

After the success of ‘Murder at Checkmate Manor’ last year, the GCSE Farndale Fans return with the humorous, ‘The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Nook at Farndale Castle.’

Thursday

        Ashton Keynes Primary School : The Wind In The Willows : 1 - 2.30 pm : The Big Top

Enjoy Mr Toad, Mr Badger, Mole and Ratty as they sing their way through tales of the riverside… complete with Mr Toad’s motorcar! ‘Poop, poop!’

        Bradon Forest School : Annie Jnr.

        4 - 5 pm : The Big Top : £4

With students ranging from Years 7 to 11, Bradon Forest tell the tale of Annie, a Depression-era orphan determined to find somewhere to call home. The bright, tuneful score is filled with so many familiar numbers, you’ll find yourself joining in! “The sun’ll come out tomorrow!”

        Ashton Keynes Primary School : The Wind In The Willows

        6 - 7.30 pm : The Big Top

        Bradon Forest School : Annie Jnr.

        8 - 9 pm : The Big Top : £4

        Swindon Young Actors : Schühe

        8 - 9 pm : The Theatre : £4

Jozef is a Polish shoemaker during the World War II. The Jews are being persecuted, but the Nazi boot brings in a good wage for him. Elspeth has very little time… she must make a personal sacrifice to save another.  All Jozef finds is a shoe box and a note… “Please Jozef, look after her. You are her only hope. God bless you.”

Friday

        Swindon Young Actors : Schühe

        5.30 - 6.30 pm : The Theatre : £4

        Brook Field Primary School : Bugsy Malone

        6 - 7 pm : The Big Top

Year 6 star in the action packed tale of Bugsy and his fellow gangsters in a prohibition-era America. Don’t miss out on the cream-pie exploits at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam!

        The Big Top Festival : A Celebration of Music

        7.30 - 10 pm : The Big Top : £5

The Big Top opens it's stage for the music evening. The black tie event will be a celebration of live music, hosting the finals of the Bradon Forest instrumental, vocal and ‘Battle of the Bands’ competitions. There will also be a special performance from guest judges.… The Dacoits!

Sunday

        St Mary’s Primary School : Variety Show

        12 - 1 pm : The Big Top

A variety performance including the KS1 and KS2 choir, with songs from the Year 6 show as a finale.

        Bradon Forest : The Little Prince

        1 - 2.30 pm : The Theatre : £4

        Shout Productions :  Cast Spell

        3 - 4.30 pm : The Big Top : £4

‘Cast Spell’ is set in a tiny run down theatre after the final performance of a small musical. The majority of the cast and crew have slipped away, too depressed by negative reviews to stay for the closing night party. Those who remain find their night turns dangerous when the actors begin to dabble in the occult.

        The Bradon Forest Theatre Co. : Alternative Fairytales

        3.45 - 4.30 pm : The Big Top : £4

        Swindon Young Actors : Schühe

        5.30 - 6.30 pm : The Theatre : £4

        The Big Top Festival : A Celebration of Sport

        5 - 8 pm : The School Field and Pavilion : Free!

Our ‘community day’ culminates with a relaxing Twenty20 cricket match between Bradon Forest staff and students vs Purton Village players. Spectators can also enjoy a BBQ or cream tea (or both!) while listening to the delights of the Bradon Forest Concert Band, featuring musicians from Commonweal school and other special guests... What a way to end the festival!

Saturday

        Bradon Forest GCSE : Farndale Avenue

        2 - 4 pm : The Theatre : £4

        Bradon Forest School : Annie Jnr.

        4.30 - 5.30 pm : The Big Top : £4

        Bradon Forest : The Little Prince

        4.30 - 5.30 pm : The Theatre : £4

Adapted from the much loved book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, ‘The Little Prince’ is a charming tale             of the follies of mankind and the real joys of life. This multi-media version is a story for both young                and old; told with puppets, masks and imagination.

        Circo Ridiculoso : Lighter than Air

        6 - 7 pm : The Big Top : £3

Enter the strange and bizarre universe of a wild balloon tamer where surreal and stupid things happen. Combining circus and comedy, performer and clown Danny Schlesinger creates an utterly joyous experience loaded with participation, surprises and laughs. 

Warning! Features loud balloon pops!

        The Big Top Festival : A Celebration of Dance

        7.15 - 8.15 pm : The Theatre : £4

An hour of dance featuring The Bradon Forest Dance company Performances include ‘In The Ring’, directed by Marie-Lou Flexen, ‘Garba Dance’, choreographed by Sangita Kapadia. There will also be performances from Swindon Dance!

        Circomedia

        8.30 - 9.30 pm : The Big Top : £5

The world famous circus school have put together this amazing show, especially for the Big Top Festival! Not to be missed.