Grace here – and if your idea of festive sparkle involves roller skates, aerialists and maybe even a clown from Canada, then East London’s own Revel Puck Circus have got you covered. They’re back in town this winter with their Winter Festival, taking over Walthamstow Town Square from 4 December – 4 January.
And let me tell you, it’s not just a big top – it’s a whole seasonal takeover:
- A brand-new “mini big top” circus tent (snug, spectacular and very Walthamstow)
- A pop-up taproom courtesy of Signature Brew, plus a heated garden
- A festive market with local stalls, in partnership with Waltham Forest Council
- Training, placements and performance slots for the local community
It’s not all about sitting back with popcorn – the Pucks want the community right in the ring with them. They’re teaming up with Future Formed to offer training, shadowing and work placements during the festival (email: creative.opportunities@walthamforest.gov.uk if your ears just pricked up).
And if you’re part of a performance collective, an arts group, or even a band looking for a stage, the Winter Festival has open-access slots at cost price. Interested? Drop a line to programming@revelpucks.com and you could be part of the line-up.
The shows
Fête du Puck
Think of it as a party à la anglaise – a joyful celebration of circus past, present and future. Expect roller skaters from Ethiopia, aerialists from Argentina, a clown from Canada and even a juggler from Clapton. The Pucks’ international crew are promising foot-stomping fun in their new tent. It runs 4 Dec – 4 Jan, lasts 100 minutes with an interval, and tickets start at just £10.
The Ugly Duckling – a circus story
Fresh from a smash hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Pucks are bringing their playful re-telling of the classic coming-of-age tale home to East London. Designed especially for younger audiences (ages 2–7), this high-energy mix of acrobatics and storytelling flips the old fairy tale into a celebration of belonging and difference. Expect giggles, gasps, and a trapeze-loving duckling. Runs 4 Dec – 4 Jan, 55 minutes long, tickets from £10.
Why it matters
The Revel Pucks aren’t just about thrills – they’re committed to making circus accessible. 10% of tickets will be just £2 for low-income households, and the team are offering training and shadowing opportunities for local creatives. It’s circus with heart, as well as hoop-la.
What the critics say
- “Elite contemporary circus” – The Guardian
- “The most fun you’ll have inside a big top” – The Family Stage
- “Difficult to find a better 21st-century circus show” – The Indiependent
And The Ugly Duckling has already racked up ⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews across Broadway World, The List, Curtain Call and more.
When & where
Revel Pucks Winter Festival
Walthamstow Town Square, London E17 4JF
4 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets from £10 at www.revelpuckcircus.com/winterfestival
Showtimes:
- Fête du Puck – daily 2.30pm & 5pm
- The Ugly Duckling – daily 11am & 12.30pm
Well, I’ll tell you a secret – I was once a bit of an ugly duckling myself. Awkward, scruffy, never quite fitting in. But with a pinch of Yorkshire grit (and a proper brew or two), I found my tribe and grew into the gal you see today – still cheeky, still stubborn, but a little bit dazzling in my own way. So if you’ve ever felt like the odd one out, this festival is for you. You’ll leave knowing that being different isn’t a flaw – it’s the magic.
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