Skylight Circus on the move

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Skylight Circus performers

After twenty two years in the old Broadwater Centre, originally Rochdale’s first Victorian swimming baths, Skylight Circus Arts has now moved to a new home, situated just half a mile across the town centre at St Chads Fold, Sparrow Hill right next to St Chad‘s church. Their original home is about to be demolished as part of Rochdale Town Centre East Redevelopment.

To celebrate the move Skylight will be creating a spectacular new show, ‘Angel’, which will be performed on 16/17 May. A few places are available in all classes for those wanting to take part or for those who just want to have a go.

Jim Riley, Chairman of the Skylight board said: "It is a massive undertaking moving all our equipment, including globes, tightropes, trapeze rigs. What’s more, we also needed to build accessible toilets for the disabled people who use our services and put in steel beams for trapezes. Lots of people have helped or it would not have happened. Our volunteers have been brilliant and deserve a big thank you.”

Over the twenty years of Skylight’s existence, thousands of Rochdale people have learnt circus skills with Skylight. Several now have circus careers. Martine Bradford, creative directors said: "It’s great to have a new start in a warm, dry building. We are here for all Rochdale residents and you will see us at events throughout the year. Now is a great time to join or come back to our circus and aerial classes for all ages from 5-75. Come and have fun with us in our new base – you will amaze yourself and keep fit at the same time."

Skylight Circus Arts is based in Rochdale and as well as spectacular performance, it provides circus workshops and classes for children and adults to help develop confidence, social skills and improve physicality. Skylight Circus works with schools to provide recreational and inspiring after school activities, and with adults to provide uplifting and invigorating social activities to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Skylight also works in Heywood and Middleton and welcomes participants from all over the borough and beyond.