‘Kingdom of Kong Awaits’ at Big Kid Circus

Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away with the daily routine of life and forget to just let go and have fun. Fortunately, we recently had the opportunity to do this by tapping into our inner child at the Big Kid Circus. So, join us as we bring you into the big top and help you forget about everyday life for a while!

There is something wonderful about visiting the circus, and for many people around the world, it’s a special event first experienced in childhood. I can only imagine how many kids have been carried away with thoughts about running off to join the circus. In fact, one half of the wife-husband duo, Biliana and Kiril Kirilov, who own and operate Big Kid Circus did just that. Biliana left home at the tender age of 13 to join the circus as an acrobatic performer. She later met Kiril, and they moved to the UK in 1999 as trapeze artists. They formed Big Kid Circus in 2005. They are now a family-run circus with two of their three children helping to oversee various aspects of running the circus.

This year they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with an exciting ‘Kingdom of Kong’ theme. They describe it best by saying, “This year’s production is a true celebration of global artistry, featuring a vibrant, diverse cast of performers from every corner of the world. From the rhythm-filled beaches of Brazil to the majestic plains of Tanzania, the rich culture of Ethiopia, and the lively streets of Mexico, each act showcases the universal magic of circus art.”

We’re happy to say that the Big Kid Circus did not disappoint. It brought back fond memories of our youth while helping us enjoy the experience as adults. Overall, the show is a delightful mix of incredible performers who entertain with humour as well as astounding stunts. We hope you enjoy these photos and videos from our visit to the Circus but know that it is best experienced in person.

If you’ve read our article on the Davidson Legacy Cottage, you know of our appreciation for motorcycles. Therefore, we were thrilled when we saw that the grand finale act was the Globe of Death! Many of you are probably familiar with this circus act and have seen it on television or in person. However, for those of you who don’t know, it involves riding multiple motorcycles at the same time in a small steel cage. Sounds dangerous, right? That’s because it is. In order to perform this stunt, riders must excel at precision driving- controlling their speed and manoeuvrability in a very small space. Furthermore, I can’t imagine the physical fitness required to overcome the g-forces, vertigo, and nausea for which this act is known to create.

What was particularly wonderful to see was that, for our performance, two of the three motorcyclists were women. However, Big Kid Circus often performs with an all-female line-up, and they are billed as Europe’s only all-female Globe of Death act. The riders hail from countries including Chile, Columbia, Brazil, and Iran. It truly is an act that defies stereotypes and empowers women- something we love to see! Related to this, remember how I said that the Kirilov family has three children? Well, their youngest, Nicole, was the youngest motorcycle stunt rider in the UK to perform the Globe of Death when she did it at only 11 years old. Talk about an impressive young lady and family!

So, what are you waiting for Scotland?! Don’t miss the opportunity to run off and ‘join’ the circus by attending a show at Big Kid Circus! They are currently in Falkirk until Sunday, the 8th of June. They then head to Motherwell from the 12th-22nd of June. Visit their website for more information on their schedule and venues.

Until next time- Explore & Discover!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG