Award-winning circus company Upswing will visit five libraries across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, inviting children to explore bravery through performance and play.

Families are being invited to try something new this October half-term as award-winning contemporary circus company Upswing brings free performances and interactive play sessions to five libraries across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Running from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, Circus Explorers will visit Tamworth, Cannock, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tunstall and Stoke libraries, offering children aged four to eight the chance to discover circus skills alongside their parents and carers.

Each session begins with a short circus performance lasting around 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a 45-minute Stay & Play session led by professional circus artists. Families will be encouraged to have a go at different activities together while exploring the theme of bravery.

From trying something new and making friends to asking for help or getting back up after a fall, the sessions aim to celebrate the everyday acts of courage children show as they grow.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme as part of the organisations' Circus Theatre Partnership, which aims to bring high-quality circus and theatre experiences to family audiences across the county.

The sessions will also help shape a brand-new production that Upswing is developing, with the experiences and ideas shared by participating families feeding into a touring show planned for summer 2027.

Upswing artistic director Vicki Dela Amedume said: “Circus gives us a playful and imaginative way to explore those moments together.”

She added that the company was delighted to be working with Staffordshire Libraries and New Vic Theatre to bring the free sessions to families, with their stories helping to shape the new production.

The first sessions take place at Tamworth Library on Tuesday 27 October, running from 10.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Families can book by calling 01827 782124 or emailing tamworth.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.

Cannock Library hosts the sessions on Wednesday 28 October, at the same times. To book, call 01543 334525 or email cannock.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.

On Thursday 29 October, Circus Explorers arrives at Newcastle-under-Lyme Library, with sessions from 10.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Contact 01782 485312 or newcastle.library@staffordshire.gov.uk to reserve a place.

The programme continues at Tunstall Library on Friday 30 October, with sessions at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Book by emailing tunstall.library@stoke.gov.uk.

The final stop is Stoke Library on Saturday 31 October, where a session will run from 11am to midday. Families can contact stoke.library@stoke.gov.uk to book.

All sessions are free, but places are limited and must be booked in advance. Parents and carers must attend and are encouraged to take part alongside their children.

Photo credit: Jenny Harper