For Circus Night 2026, Prato – Lille's National Circus Center, in partnership with the City of Lille and Le Grand Sud, invites families to share a festive day dedicated to discovery, play, and hands-on experience in circus arts. Called Family Circus, this free event offers a friendly immersion into the world of circus through participatory workshops, student demonstrations, a show, and a community-focused food service.
Designed to be accessible to both children and adults, this day allows children and their parents to practice various circus disciplines together, guided by specialized instructors. Participants will be introduced to tightrope walking, juggling, magic, and acrobatics during three main workshop sessions spread throughout the day. The workshops are open to adult/child pairs and are suitable for children aged 5 and up, offering an ideal opportunity to discover the circus arts in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Throughout the day, students from the Regional Circus Arts Center (CRAC) in Lomme will present several acts showcasing their artistic and technical skills. These demonstrations will allow the public to appreciate the diversity of circus disciplines and the expertise developed within this leading school in the Hauts-de-France region.
The highlight of the day will be the performance by students from the Regional Federation of Circus Schools (FREC), presented in the late afternoon. This collaborative creation will bring together young artists from several regional circus schools to offer a lively, dynamic, and performance-rich show, illustrating the creativity and energy of the new generation of circus artists.
Younger visitors will also enjoy a specially designed area for toddlers, so that everyone can fully experience this day, regardless of their age.
Lunch will be provided by the FAME association (Women Acting for Well-being). Based in Lille-Sud, this association works daily to empower the residents of the neighborhood, combats discrimination, inequality, and isolation, and fosters social connections. The meal offered includes a buffet of mixed salads, cheese, dessert, and tea, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Program for the day
10:00 am: Welcome of participants.
10:30 to 11:30: first workshop session (wire, magic, juggling and acrobatics).
11:45: Presentation of the acts by the students of the CRAC of Lomme.
12:30 pm: Lunch provided by the FAME association.
1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.: second workshop session.
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: third workshop session.
4:30 pm: performance by students of the Regional Federation of Circus Schools (FREC).
The day can then continue with the show "Pièce de Cirque" by Compagnie Décor à Corps, presented at 5 p.m. at the Salle des Fêtes de Fives, as part of the Family Sunday organized by Cirque du Bout du Monde, in partnership with the Pas Cap festival of Théâtre Massenet.
Family Circus is a wonderful gateway to the circus arts for the whole family. Between hands-on activities, discovery, meetings with circus schools, performances by young artists, and a convivial moment shared over a meal, this day fully celebrates the values of transmission, creativity, and sharing that make La Nuit du Cirque, the unmissable national event dedicated to contemporary circus, so rich.