Cirque Bijou worked with local community groups, creative organisations, schools and youth groups to deliver a series of heritage and creative workshops culminating in a celebratory festival. Cirque Bijou hired a project coordinator specifiically to manage the project and to forge new community relations in the six month period leading up to the festival. A wide range of projects were set up, combining a diverse range of media from dance, street theatre and circus to video, animation and music. Working in conjunction with Swindon Borough Council's events team, Cirque Bijou held a consultation for local residents and encouraged their involvement in the development process to create community ownership of the project.

 

A fantastic, family friendly festival was created, animating the streets of Brunel's Railway Village and delighting both local residents and out of town visitors alike.

 

"A big, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts, the atmosphere was fantastic. It gave us back The Park and gave people back the Village. It made residents feel proud to live in the area. Let’s hope it happens next year "

Betty McKinlay (Railway Village resident)