The great big climate circus

he Great Big Climate Circus is a vibrant, community-focused, youth-led touring circus funded by the National Lottery bringing Gloucestershire communities together through circus, music, arts, and performance to spark climate action, celebrate local creativity, and build a fairer, greener future. Delivered in partnership by Creative Sustainability, World Jungle Ltd, Bromford Flagship, Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL) as part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board (CCB), Ernest Cook Trust, and On the Brink Arts, this project will equip young people to lead climate conversations and influence change through accessible, arts-based activities.

The project aims to empower young people and families from low-income households and nurture positive, grassroots climate action. Its climate action approach shifts from the often distressing realities of climate change to instead celebrate the collective power of communities through creative participatory response.

The Great Big Climate Circus has 3 main phases:

· Engagement, Creative Development and Youth Leadership Recruitment: Launch event, tasters, creative workshops, youth leader recruitment and development (Sept 26 – June 27)

· The Great Big Climate Circus: a celebration under the Big Top, showcasing youth performances, workshops on sustainability, and local climate and community organisations, bringing the wider community together in creative climate action. (Summer 2027)

· Ongoing Support for Action: full-time staff support for new youth-led initiatives, advocacy and influencing, and the co-production of a youth engagement toolkit. ( Aug -Dec 2027)