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British Juggling Convention 2015
I enjoyed spotting all my friends in this lovely film about the #BJC2015
https://youtu.be/Bz4UHkNtLdg
Nice vid......I enjoy watching BJC and EJC videos, even though I didn't go...........or did I;) *orin thinks to himself* "that guy at BJC who was wearing all black with the checkered cap tipped slightly over one eye, DID look like Ethan.....hmmm..."
Little Paul - - Parent #
More spelling mistakes than a romvention flyer!
Although fair play to the lass for almost making it look like I can do that trick...
BJC 2015 - business meeting minutes
The minutes of the business meeting from #bjc2015 are now online at https://thebritishjugglingconvention.co.uk/wiki/images/c/ce/BJC2015minutes.pdf. Thanks to everyone who came and to Miark & Jack for scribing.
Good question Tom, we'll edit the minutes to make it clear that it's metres not minutes.
Thanks for this. I was worried that things wouldn't be so positive because of the weather but it looks like the event went well in spite of that. Well done to Jane & the crew.
Great to see that BJC2016 is well in hand too. I would also like to reiterate that BJC2005 was superb. Everyone that thought it wasn't worth the trip were wrong.
Are Graham & Britta still on the scene? I haven't spotted them for a while.
lukeburrage - - Parent #
Yeah, 2005 in Perth was really good fun. It was smaller than 2004, but better in EVERY SINGLE WAY. Also: first BYJOTY.
lukeburrage - - Parent #
The public show in 2004 was probably better, but the scheduling and having to leave the site for so long on the main convention day was a bad move.
Is that because there was an act with a video and juggler interacting in the show at BJC 2004?
lukeburrage - - Parent #
I was in both public shows. ;)
Little Paul - #
#BJC2015 review for Orinoco...
BJC2015
Friday
After a surprisingly relaxing journey (despite seeing 3 near-miss accidents on the motorway due to lane changes) I arrived a little early, in time to spend an hour envelope stuffing making up the arrival packs. Happy to be useful, I did have to wonder why with such a short setup time available on-site (about 3 hours to prep the site and get the doors open) that was being done at the last minute and hadn’t been done a couple of days before… but hey ho!
The evening was spent mostly catching up with old friends, and meeting a few new ones. Drinking beer, chatting, getting people to try balancing a golf ball on their nose You know, the usual. I drank more beer than was possibly sensible, given that the hangover lasted pretty much all day.
Saturday
Woke up late with a mahoosive hangover, which was partially rescued by the tale end of a fried breakfast (all they had left was bacon beans and mushrooms) I wasn’t up to much beyond sitting around watching other people juggle, trying to work out how much of Wes/Tony’s outfits were parody and how much is what they seriously think is everyday wear. We came to the conclusion that they’d been watching goldie looking chain videos.
The 5-ring circus Youth Circus show was a good example of a youth circus show. I like that youth circus exists, and think it fills a very important role in the UK circus scene, but well… I just don’t like kids that much. The clowns had some good bits, and there was some pretty impressive macro/tumbling - but most of the show did nothing for me, so I wandered off to look around the traders.
The traders were in a great room this year, enough space to wander around without falling over anyone, and space to try things out. I got the chance to try out some Freaks Unlimited knives for the first time in about 15 years. I will always have a soft spot for freaks products, although Paul seems to have started putting staples in his fire eating wands. He used to stitch the wicks which seems like a much better way to construct an eating wand to me.
We dodged the raindrops to get our way onto one of the earlier show busses at about 4pm with M, J, Charlie and Alex’s nephew Max for the long drive into sheffield. After much faffing about trying to find an eatery that wasn’t already crammed full of jugglers, we squeezed in to a pizza express and gorged ourselves. Then it was on to the show.
I apologise for not having made any notes about the acts, this is from memory so doesn’t include anyones names incase I cock them up:
Compere - he was fun, although telling a long story before the interval was an odd thing to do. He’d have been better off doing that in his intro, but that’s a minor quibble.
chinese pole and clubs (Great act, could have done with a little more pole and a little less club fondling for me though)
1st female ball juggler (nice routine but a bit droppy, I’d love to see her on a good night)
??? I genuinely can’t remember what act came next, there must have been one though. It was probably a hoop act, there’s always a bloody hoop act.
2nd female ball juggler (wonderful bit of physical comedy, ball juggling and table wrestling, with a nice surprise at the end.)
Diabolo guy closed the first half. He had some really exciting moves. I know "just enough" about diabolo to have some concept of how complex it was, without actually being able to describe that. Also the 2 diabolo combination of norma/vertax on the same string was new to me, and very nice.
** interval ** (I had ice cream)
The second half was entirely Water on Mars. It split the audience. I don’t think I was in quite the right frame of mind, I was tired and still a little hungover so had difficulty giving it the focussed attention it needed. I think if I’d gone to see it as a show (rather than the second half of a show) I’d have enjoyed it more.
The bus ride home involved steve mills wearing a wig, then there was a lot more beer, bed far too late. I don’t remember seeing any of the Renegade.
Sunday
The clocks changed, which screwed up my breakfast plans as everything happened an hour before it should have done. Dalton College catering staff were an hour ahead of me!
The afternoon was the Circus Geeks show, which was frankly awesome. So much fun in that show, and frankly I didn’t realise Arron Sparks could pull faces like that. The highlights for me were the 10 ring passing section, the jugglers lexicon, and Jon Udry’s rant about wanting to be in “The Water Boys” - made more special for me because I was sat across the isle from tony/patrik/wes (or as “Johno” wanted to call them ‘Pesto, Emo and Pee… erm…”)
I skipped the fire show, I have no idea if the alternative games happened but I didn’t see those either. I did show Tiff the golf club trick, and once he got it he showed off by maintaining it long enough to qualify 3 balls under it. Which was just showing off really.
Monday
Another slow start for me. I missed the Toorwood Wheelers show as I was spending a very pleasant 3 hours talking to Steve Mills, Cindy Marvell, Juggly Jane and Suzy Oddball in preparation for the OldSkool Panel. I was genuinely surprised how lovely, thoughtful and talkative they all were. I’d been hesitant about talking to Steve as everyone has been telling me for years that he’s a bit of a handful, but once you get chatting to him and he gets comfortable talking to you he came across as a really sweet guy. Cindy, well - I’m even more in awe of her having talked to her than I was before I met her. My god she’s got a sharp mind on her, and some awesome stories to tell.
Steve and Cindy were defy my “crush” for the week.
Next year, I’ll see if we can get the pre-chat recorded and possibly crowbarred into some form of podcast.
British stage. I didn’t take any notes about this, and as such can only remember 4 acts.
Hillbilly juggler character act (nice club work, but a character act should extend beyond costume/music choice. The juggling/movement just didn’t fit the character at all.)
Diabolo and rabbit “act” (2 minutes of material crammed into 20 minutes, total lack of awareness of the energy they were sucking out of the room. Notable because the comperes basically came out afterwards and pretty much started a show again)
Tom Senior did some awesome bounce juggling, including use of a V shaped surface to bounce off. Afterwards, Ewan pretty much persuaded Tom to go to Broxford as that’s were the gandini cube is currently stored.
The highlight of the show for me was Tom Derrick, doing Ballet with Big Blue Balls. Tom, as ever, hit every single musical cue you could possibly find in the music. I talked to him about it afterwards and he said he had to use a spreadsheet to work out all the throw timings, and then learn it throw by throw to make sure he hit them. Bloody good job Tom. :)
The Old Skool Panel itself went off OK, although was interrupted several times by tannoy announcements. The first couple were annoying trivialities, but the “everybody stop what you’re doing and check your tents now, half of them have blown down” once cleared out 50% of the audience. Luckily we were near the end anyway.
I don’t think the “britovision” game advertised in the program happened, I think everyone was too busy panicking about the site being blown away.
Tuesday
I have no notes about Tuesday at all. The site was still being battered by the wind, more and more tents being destroyed or taken down. An emergency accommodation plan was hastily drawn together (which is something Perth have promised they’ll do in advance - nice to have a disaster plan even better if you never have to use it)
BYJOTY. Mark Watson was great at compering as ever (I’d love to see him do a public show. Rumour has it he’s played the dame in Panto, and personally I’d love to see a Dame compere a BJC public show… I may be on my own with that one) Tiff, Void and Mamph were judging.
The first 6 acts were pretty good, and the audience were in a supportive mood. We did however notice that a lot of them were circomedia students, and none of those students took a bow at the end of their acts. They all finished their routine by walking off through the curtains ignoring the audiences appreciation. I guess "taking applause” is in one of next terms modules.
The 7th act came on and blew them out of the water though. I think his name was Luke something, a few rough edges, but he used the whole space, did some extraordinary juggling, and really got the audience going. He looked like a clear winner, but Eddie Bacon (sp?) was up next and took it up another notch again. Bags of character, great costume/makeup and an all round polished act. Eddie won the audience vote.
I ended up helping out with the "performers buffet” for the BYJOTY entrants afterwards, and it was interesting to watch Luke collar each judge in turn and ask them some really important questions about what he could have done better, taking it all very seriously and really taking notice of the responses. He’s one to keep an eye on I think.
Line dancing happened around me, and then it was fight night. I didn’t see much of fight night, but what I did see was very entertaining.
Wenesday
Again no notes, but looking at the program it was the Youth Cabaret (I think Nigel said that happened, but clashed with the business meeting? Even if it hadn’t clashed I’d probably not have watched it, see my earlier comments about kids) the Business meeting was interesting as usual. Perth sounds *awesome* and I’m already looking at transport/accommodation options. 2017 sounds like it’ll be Devon, or possibly Cornwall, or possibly some combination of teams/venue depending on who gets what sorted when.
I saw some of the games, but spent most of it talking to Suzy Oddball. I could talk to her for ages.
The international show happened (despite rumours that a certain diva kicking up a fuss about the lighting) I didn’t make any notes, but do remember that Wes was well, Wes. Tony and his fishing net routine was a lot of fun (He’s got more moves with those than Nick Gatto ever did) Florent Lestage did his walking stick and club routine, which is *gorgeous* - lovely moves, excellent physical comedy, a great unhinged clown character alternately shouting at everyone and singing to himself to great effect. There were some other acts as well, but again, I didn’t take notes.
That evening, we also got the farewell email/facebook post from Mike Bridge. A lot of tears, hugs and memories were shared.
As soon as I got to bed, by head filled with snot and I came down with the worst bout of manflu I’ve had in a while. Great. Just in time for the 4 hour drive home.
Thursday
We were packed up and off site by 11, the site was supposed to be clear by 12, but from the looks of it when we left there was no way that was going to happen.
Anyway, so there we go. Orin, I hope this review is long enough to make up for you not being able to post one, I've not proof read it, and autocorrect has probably done some awful things along the way, but there you go.
Thanks for that LP. It's a shame not to see anywhere near as many reviews nowadays (for those of us who couldn't get there this time.)
I've not heard about Mike. I'm sadly assuming bad news.
Cedric Lackpot - - Parent #
Not *quite* yet Orin, but it all looks a bit bleak.
And if it turns out to be the ballsiest April Fool in the history of ever, I will personally go round his house, cure him of cancer, kiss him full on the lips for having such monumental brass neck, and then give him cancer again for being such an utter bastard.
Ah shit. I don't really even know him but I do know that he's a lovely guy. Bugger.
Just confirmed who Mike Bridge was, I didn't know him personally but have chatted to him & seen him at previous festivals, struck me as a really nice guy. Wishing him my best.
That does very nicely indeed thank you, I really appreciate the effort. Most gutted to have missed: Circus Geeks, Tom Derrick, Florent Lestage & Cindy Marvel I think. I too would also like to see Mark hosting a gala show.
How difficult would it be to record the Old Skool show as a podcast? Many of the stories told have been real gems, it would be great to get them preserved. Or would that spoil the magic of the show a little?
Oh, & what flavour ice cream was it?
I don't have the gear to mic five people unfortunately. I'm also unlikely to run an Old Skool next year. It relies on my ability to find four people who are either already attending, or I can persuade to come without paying travel expenses, and I anticipate that being quite a challenge in Perth.
Naturally that doesn't prevent someone else with a more haggis tinged address book from taking on the Old Skool next year should they wish to.
Little Paul - - Parent #
Over the last couple of days, I've been toying with the idea of a Q&A session for Perth - which we may be able to replace the Old Skool with (unless we can find a way to make it happen)
The idea would be for whoever the "special guests" are (eg this year it would probably have been either the water boys or circus geeks) to hang around for an hour in a panel setup similar to the Old Skool, but instead of the questions being driven by the chair - the questions come from the audience.
It would probably need to be negotiated with the performers as part of their contract so that they can make space for it (eg Circus Geeks left the evening of their show as they had another gig, so we'd need to avoid that sort of thing)
But, that said... if the limitations on the Old Skool happening in Perth is knowledge of likely panel members - it might work around that.
Sounds like a good idea! I'll make sure that that is kept in mind when the contracts are drawn up and pass it on to the show organiser.
Little Paul - - Parent #
How well it'll work will depend largely on who ends up being booked. It'll still need a chair.
I know this years team are very keen on a "you want $FEATURE? You organise it!" approach, and I'm not *quite* ready to commit to that yet. I'll have a chat to a few more people over the next couple of weeks (and no doubt a long chat with ewano about it in a buttercup field somewhere) and see where it goes.
oOo now I can imagine a feature where every year, somebody different pops up who really wants to interview a person that's inspired them, so you'd get a different interviewer / interviewee pair every time..... Interviewer responsible for persuading interviewee to show up at convention :)
Part of the reason I did Old Skool in the first place was that I was interested in experimenting with different formats, not just shows and workshops. So if missing an Old Skool makes some room for other innovative kinds of new stuff that would be extra fantastic.
There are so many people I'd love to see one-on-one interviews with; I went with the panel format because I thought one-on-one with an audience would be a bit too high stress for everyone involved, but there must be a million other interesting things people could do.
For a couple of years now, I've toyed with the idea of proposing a buzzcocks-style light hearted quiz show.
On the one hand, I'm sure it could be really funny, though I do think that it's only worth doing properly.
Overlap with the old skool has been a concern, particularly as I'd love to have the teams as new schül vs old skool.
Just so long as we can still have a mime based guess the juggler, or guess the trick round (or feel the juggler if you're more into they think it's all over).
Little Paul - - Parent #
It would be much easier to record the pre-show chat, as you can do that with a portable recorder and a couple of mics in the middle of the table. I've got the gear to do that (I <3 my Tascam DR-40) I even had it with me, but didn't think to get it out of the van.
Recording the oldskool panel itself would involve micing everyone on the panel at a minimum (5 mics) and that's a lot to set up given that to date, the old skool hasn't used mics at all. Mixing it down for the podcast would also be more of a pain.
We *may* be able to do something with the DR-40 if the room setup allows us to put it somewhere unobtrusive, but the sound quality isn't going to be great in a live show scenario - and some juggler is going to knock it over when they walk out half way through or something.
I had a dairy milk chocice-on-a-stick thing.
Fab review LP, it seems on Saturday we may have had synchronised hangovers :-) WHY did no-one tell me there were Freaks knives in the traders hall? I thought Freaks had disappeared decades ago....I have a set and they're simply the best knives I've ever juggled; individually weighted, beautifully balanced, I'd recommend them (and have done many times).
Little Paul - - Parent #
I think it was butterfingers that were selling them. Paul is still making a small range of freaks products, focussing mainly on fire stuff but he's also still making the knives. https://www.freaksunlimited.com (includes online shop, which curiously seems to be cheaper than the "BJC special price" the stall had them for)
I agree, they're a lovely knife to juggle, and sooooo sparkly!
More BJC 2015 words from Stuart Wetherell.
BJC HLGCBS
HIGH: Getting more than 30 attendees at my 5 Ball Beginners workshop at 10am on the Monday! Probably the best turnout I've had for that workshop, at the worst possible time for jugglers. Result! (If anybody would like a copy of the handout, you can download the PDF here - https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/74536467/LEARN%20TO%20JUGGLE%205%20BALLS%20WORKSHOP.pdf )
LOW: Performing seriously under par in the Fight Night qualifications. I knew I wasn't playing well as we were going through, but for the life of me couldn't work out why.
GOAL: Compere BYJOTY - success. Didn't sleep a wink the night before, but seemed to go well and we kept the show rolling. Big thanks to Ieuan for giving me this opportunity the last two years.
CRUSH: Wes Peden. Nothing new, but attending the masterclass on Monday and seeing him perform just reminds me how he is on a completely different level to other jugglers. Fantastic dedication to the art, with exceptional results.
BANE: The weather. My tent stood firm, but on Monday night I laid in it for 7 hours and didn't sleep a wink. Looking back it was quite entertaining, but didn't enjoy it much at the time.
SURPRISE: In the early hours of Thursday morning, when people are trying to squeeze out the last few hours of fun before we leave, I seriously tried 6 ball half shower for the first time in ages and it was pretty solid. Will work more on it...
Overall BJC was amazing as ever, so much time spent juggling and hanging out with friends new and old! Glad I could play my small part running some workshops and compering BYJOTY. Cannot wait to relive all the memories in a month's time at Lestival - 2nd May in Leicester. Check it out in the Events section and get yourself added to the Facebook event for all the latest news - https://www.facebook.com/events/1545948065691160/
#hlgcbs #bjc2015 tag, you're it.
So what were the standout performances from BYJOTY that I missed? How many times would I have written, "too many drops" had I been in attendance?
magicalmarkwatson - - Parent #
Actually, I think the drop count this year was 51? So for 8 acts, that's an average of 6 drops per act? Some more, some less of course. But we've had it much worse in other years I feel...
For me, the final two acts (which both won silvers as no gold was awarded) of Luke Davies and Eddy Bacon were very good but for completely different reasons. Luke pulled off an incredibly high level of skill for BYJOTY, he is a very good young juggler and this being his first ever convention I believe he managed to turn a fair few heads in the hall! Eddy's was an incredibly slick contact juggling routine, he'd put a lot of effort into his costume and make-up choices and it worked well.
I would also mention our only female competitor this year, Helena Berry, with a wonderful ball foot-juggling act making use of a table. In the tech run, she was almost flawless and I had put her as a strong competitor. Unfortunately she made a few more drops in the actual show which I think cost her an award, but she is definitely a young circus performer to keep our eyes on!
Some BJC pics. https://tlmb.net/galleries/BJC2015 No reuploads please!
#bjc2015
Afternoon lovely jugglers,
Just a little BJC (British Juggling Convention 2015) update for you.
So you have 1 week left (online tickets close midnight Friday 13th March) to pre-purchase your ticket. The price is the same as on the door but there are some advantages to getting your ticket in advance -
1- Anyone who has pre-purchased their ticket can request a spot in the Water on Mars MasterClass with Wes Peden, Patrik Elmnert and Tony Pezzo. This is a three hours super intense super mega juggling charged session and numbers are limited so if you want to be in with a chance to go to it then you need to register an interest and then depending on demand names will be randomly 'drawn from a hat'
2- We will be sending out an email to everyone who has pre-registered so be sure to look out for it - check in spam folders- for a link to follow to register.
3- If you pre-purchase your ticket you are pretty much guaranteed a seat at one of the shows to watch Beta Testing the fantastic show from the Circus Geeks on Sunday afternoon. (Arron Sparks, Jon Udry and Matt Pang) Again we are limited on space so not everyone who come is guaranteed a seat - Max 600 (2 x300)
4- By spending your money now on a ticket it feels like you have more money to spend when you get to the convention, so can get a t-shirt or lots of beer.
5- Buying in advance means we have more money in the bank before the event and then it follows have less worry that we will generate enough income to pay for all the amazing stuff that is the BJC2015
6- Anyone who buys a ticket in advance can claim a hug from me!
*not limited to advance purchases, all hugs are gratefully received, unless you are sweaty and smelly in which case it might have to be a pat on the shoulder..
Less than 3 weeks to go and if you didn't know the open time is Friday at 6pm but we are looking for a small army to help set up (from 4.00pm Friday) so if you are strong and willing please email Chris and Katie at volunteers.bjc2015@gmail.com. Anyone there early will be made to work, no sloping off to juggle!
www.bjc2015.co.uk
Thanks for reading to the end.
Jane
x
Yay for number 6! & I suppose 1-5 aren't bad either.
Bit confused though because I've now seen 3 different times floating around for volunteers to arrive for set up: 15:00, 15:30 & 16:00. I've emailed the volunteers address for confirmation.
Also:
Workshop timetable now available (although can't read a lot of text in the cells & unable to resize them?)
#bjc2015
The arrival times are a bit staggered. We can have a few crew seconded away in the pavilion until 3:30 then we can have the school. However as we have such a small window to sort stuff out I don't want anyone on site who hasn't got a pass on so everyone will need to be processed through Registration before they can be put to work.
Does this explain it a bit?
BJC Ticket for sale
Who would like to buy a ticket to this year's wonderful BJC? Circumstances dictate that I have one to sell. Any takers? Know anyone who is after a ticket to BJC but didn't pre-reg in time and can't afford to pay on the door?
Get in touch here or with me directly.
Priority will be given with anyone who accompanies their offer with a good joke.
#BJC2015 #BJC #forsale
A raffle joke:
Kenny, moved to the country and bought a donkey from an old farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day.
The next day the farmer drove up and said: "Sorry son, but I have some bad news. The donkey died."
Kenny replied, "Well then, just give me my money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
Kenny said, "OK, then just unload the donkey."
The farmer asked, "What you going to do with it?"
Kenny: "I'm going to raffle him off."
Farmer: "You can't raffle off a dead donkey!"
Kenny: "Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anybody it is dead."
A month later the farmer met up with Kenny and asked, "What happened with that dead donkey?"
Kenny: "I raffled it off. I sold 500 tickets at $2 a piece and made a profit of $998.00."
Farmer: "Didn't anyone complain?"
Kenny: "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his $2 back."
I suppose it's about time we posted another wee message about the British Juggling Convention 2015! You have less than a week to take advantage of the reduced ticket prices. Save yourself £25 off the Adult ticket price by buying it before the 1st February 2015. (£95 now £120 after)
Pop over to the website www.bjc2015.co.uk to either purchase online using our paypal checkout or email us on prereg.bjc2015@gmail.com for our bank details so that you can pay directly into our bank.
If you haven't heard much about what is happening this year have a little read of our advent announcements on our news page, hopefully there will be one or two things there that will excite!
We have recently had a flurry of registrations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Austria as well as a decent sized cohort coming over from Ireland!
If you need to ask any thing about BJC, please email me on info.bjc2015@gmail.com
Jane
x
We are very pleased to announce that the fantastic Circus Geeks aka Arron Sparks, Jon Udry and Matt Pang, will be performing their piece Beta Testing on the afternoon of Sunday 29th March 2015 at BJC2015. There will be two performances and as space is limited to only 600 seats (in total) tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Pre-reg to ensure you get to see this great new show.
Beta Testing is a show about jugglers and their strange obsession.
Beta Testing is a hotchpotch remix of juggling subculture and influences such as TED talks, The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and a fear of the haddock.
Circus Geeks began life as a blog, set up after a late night conversation about juggling, art and how to make the perfect pizza.
Beta Testing has grown out of some of the blog's most popular posts, which have international interest in a niche corner of the internet. Join the cast of 3 as they trawl through the archives to find the most absurd bits and share them with you.
Little Paul - - Parent #
Way ahead of you :D
https://jugglingedge.com/forum.php?ThreadID=1594&SmallID=11283&#Small11283
Matt Pang did his solo street show in Derby at the weekend. Was very impressed with what I saw (sadly kids pulled me away before it was over). Definitely worth a look.
I've already pre-registered so does that mean I've already got a ticket or do I need to let someone know I want to see this show?
The Circus Geeks blog in question for those that don't know: https://circusgeeks.co.uk/
#bjc2015
Hey, just to clarify if you have pre-reg'd then when you arrive you will get first dibs at tickets for the show.
No need to email anyone :D
jamesfrancis - - Parent #
I saw this show recently and have to say it was excellent (a relatively rare compliment from me). I may actually have to commit to going to the BJC early this year!
Early bird BJC tickets are now on sale. If you want to save money and help the British Juggling Convention you can purchase your tickets in advance.
Tickets are available from www.bjc2015.co.uk/tickets
BJC promises to be another amazing event with the usual favourites plus a 19th century western american theme, see website for more details.
Prices will go up after 31 October.
#bjc2015
Woo! I will be sorting out a bank transfer when I get home tonight.
Surprised to see charging for 3-11 year olds though. I completely understand the reason behind it but I wonder how it will go down against the preconception that 'kids get in free'. I've never been happy with the expectation that adults without children subsidise those with children but have accepted it because BJCs need families to make up the attendance. But is that the case? How much of the BJC demographic is made up of families these days?
From memory under 11s make up 5% of attendees at BJC compared to nationally where they make up 13% of the population.
It could just be that initially there wasn't a huge amount put on for the wee ones. It sounds like there are specific things in place for kids this time which would warrant charging for. I'd be annoyed to pay for kids if there wasn't kid-friendly stuff for them to do (having a space to run about in doesn't warrant an entry fee in my book) but have no qualms about paying if there's kids' stuff to indulge them in.
There is not much put on at BJC for many groups, eg club passers just get to use a shared space and other club passers volunteer to run workshops for them. Getting a dedicated space sounds like a bonus and there is no reason why children and their parents can't create their own activities. Some of the shows might be late for the wee ones so maybe encourage them to sleep later in the morning.
They've raised the age for the child ticket too - so teenagers count as a child until they're 18, as opposed to 16 previously. Saves a bit for that age group!
Little Paul - - Parent #
I will quite happily subsidise a space for kids to run around in if it keeps them away from me
</grumpy old man>
Little Paul - - Parent #
I'm excited about this news.... https://circusgeeks.co.uk/2014/09/18/btbjc/
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