"Circus themed fun event"

I attended Hawtonville Children's Centre today where they had a circus themed event provided/hosted by Flambe Circus.

Having looked at Flambe's website before going I was excited to see what would be on offer but sadly I felt a bit disappointed. I had got the impression (perhaps an incorrect assumption) that there would be some sort of show/demonstration/audience participation but it was, in effect, just left to families to wander round and entertain themselves to some extent. Which is OK just not what was expected.

There was an area with different toys such as plate spinning and baton twirling, but no-one pro-actively showing you/demonstrating what to do. There was a guy around, and he helped/showed you if asked, but I felt there was a missed opportunity in terms of him 'leading' activity and drumming up some enthusiasm. I had been looking forward to the 'Bubbleology' but this was limited due to it being so windy - nothing else could have been done but kids love bubbles regardless don't they!

My children (obviously of course) wanted a balloon from the balloon modeller but there was only one person doing them for the whole session, and the queue was very long and slow moving. I initially queued for about 15 mins but my children were bored so we had to abandon it as I couldn't watch them both and queue! I went back nearer the end of the session when things had quietened down a bit but even then had to wait a while. The guy was most apologetic but couldn't have done anything about it.

I would imagine a circus to be full of noise - it was very quiet - no music, or effort to encourage people to participate. Families seemed to wander but there wasn't much to do from a 'circus' perspective in my opinion - certainly not for the little ones. Perhaps face painting/use of flags/object rather than games which many couldn't do. e. g. stilt walking is fine for the older ones but would be hard even for adults let along children.

I appreciate that such events come at a cost but I am wondering if this was an expensive option, and therefore perhaps didn't include as much as it could have done? Luckily the centre put on activities such as colouring/play dough - sadly the sand pit had ants in it as it always does over summer so couldn't be used again!

A good idea in theory but I felt this event was a bit 'flat' which is a shame. We will see what next week's brings! !