In the Marvels and Mayhem Big Top storyteller Emily Hennessey and artists Tina Dempsey and Garth Gratrix brought Blackpool’s amazing Blackpool Tower Circus’s history to life. Both Tina and Emily have been working in Blackpool and Wyre schools throughout June 2018 to help children create magical circus themed stories and artwork inspired by Heritage Blackpool’s Tower Circus Collection.

The interactive Big Top display and Emily’s storytelling were a great hit with  children of all ages and their families at Wordpool’s Most Marvellous Family Day on Saturday July 6th.

Marvels and Mayhem Schools Creative Literacy Project is supported through the Collections Fund delivered by the Museum’s Association. The aim is to enhance teachers and education providers understanding and knowledge of the Blackpool Tower Circus Collection. The challenge is to unlock the significance and potential of the collection and build an ongoing legacy of collaboration by using the appeal of the circus and its amazing stories to develop a variety of engagement opportunities for schools.

For more information about the Blackpool Tower Circus Collection contact: localhistory.centre@blackpool.gov.uk

photos: Jill Reidy