WOOLWICH WORKS LAUNCHES CIRCUS WORKS AS PART OF PACKED SUMMER PROGRAMME

NEW WEEK-LONG CIRCUS FESTIVAL BRINGS PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND FAMILY EVENTS TO WOOLWICH (10–16 AUGUST)

WOOLWICH WOOFS DOG SHOW RETURNS (11 JULY)

PLUS SUMMER BARN DANCE, OUTDOOR EVENTS AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Images available here

Woolwich Works has announced a packed programme of summer events, led by the launch of Circus Works, a brand-new week-long celebration of circus performance, participation and family entertainment taking place from 10–16 August.

Alongside Circus Works, the season includes the return of popular community events, outdoor entertainment and family experiences, including Woolwich Woofs, which returns to the venue on Saturday 11 July.  Canine companions and their owners are once again invited to take over the Woolwich Works Courtyard for an afternoon of four-legged fun.

Open to dogs of every breed, age, size and personality, the event features a series of light-hearted competitions including Beautiful Bitch, Dandy Dog, Waggiest Tail, Fetch-it Fido!, My Dog's Got Talent and the coveted Best in Show title. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks and plenty of opportunities to cheer on the competitors from the sidelines while soaking up the atmosphere in the courtyard.

On Saturday 18 July, Woolwich Works swaps dog leads for dancing shoes with a Summer Barn Dance led by US country musician Brandon Burke and his band. Bringing a taste of Texas to South East London, the evening promises line dancing, country music and a vibrant hoedown atmosphere beneath the summer sky. Guests can pull up a hay bale, enjoy a drink and soak up the entertainment as the sun sets, while the first 200 ticket buyers will receive a complimentary country-themed goodie bag including a cowboy hat, handkerchief, badge and keyring.

At the heart of the programme is Circus Works, a new week-long festival celebrating contemporary circus through performances, workshops and hands-on participation opportunities for children, families and adults, taking place across Woolwich Works.

Young people can learn juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning and a variety of other circus skills during Circus Workshops for Kids (10–11 August), led by professional circus artists. The sessions are designed to build confidence, coordination and creativity while introducing participants to the world of circus performance in a fun and supportive environment.

On 13 August, international circus artist Adam Havsky brings Norman's Big Day Out to Woolwich Works. This award-nominated family show follows Norman on what begins as a simple delivery job before spiralling into a wonderfully absurd adventure filled with juggling, balance, physical comedy and acrobatics. Since premiering in Australia, the production has toured internationally and delighted audiences of all ages.

Circus Works continues on 14 August with Tony & Ray Find Your Feet Workshop, an energetic and inclusive session combining movement, dance, comedy and creative play. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the workshop encourages participants to discover the joy of physical expression through a series of fun games, collaborative activities and group performances.

Later the same day, audiences can enjoy Tony & Ray Find Their Feet, a playful circus-theatre performance packed with friendship, rivalry, physical comedy and visual storytelling.

The celebrations continue across the weekend of 15–16 August with Circus Cabaret Show for Kids, a joyful family spectacle curated by former Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director Lydia Harper. Featuring world-class acrobats, aerialists, clowns and expert mischief-makers, the production combines jaw-dropping circus skills, interactive comedy and larger-than-life performances in a magical summer adventure designed to delight children and grown-ups alike.

Adults can also get involved with the Adult Circus Workshop on 16 August, offering the chance to try skills including juggling, hula hooping, aerial hoop, acrobatics and handstands under the guidance of professional circus artists. No previous experience is required.

This year's Woolwich Woofs is generously supported by Cheese at Turnpins Greenwich, helping to make the day even more paw-some for dogs and humans alike. Founded by former City workers-turned-cheesemongers Nicola Hill and Chris Holmes, Cheese at Turnpins has become a popular local destination for artisan cheese and produce.

The partnership forms part of Woolwich Works' wider commitment to creating accessible and engaging community events throughout the year, alongside initiatives including the free celebration of brass music Brassworks (5 September), supported by Royal Greenwich Festivals.

Together, the events form part of Woolwich Works' ongoing commitment to creating welcoming experiences that bring communities together through culture, creativity and participation.

Nick Williams, Director of Woolwich Works, commented: “Summer is always a wonderful time at Woolwich Works - our spaces really come alive with people of all ages coming together to enjoy themselves. Whether it's families discovering circus skills for the first time, dog owners showing off their beloved pets, or neighbours dancing together in the Courtyard on a summer evening, these events are all about creating memorable shared experiences and making culture accessible, welcoming and fun."

Tickets and information for all shows are available here.