This year’s Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo celebrates 250 years of the “modern circus”.
It was in 1768 when a young equestrian named Philip Astley performed in London, in a field near Westminster Bridge, on a circular ring 13 metres in diameter.
His equestrian show mixed acts from the fair – jugglers, equilibrists, funambulists and even trained dogs and monkeys – and the modern horse-mounted circus was born.
The International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo hosted a gala evening on 23rd January, presenting gold, silver and bronze Clown Awards.
Circus performances continued until 28th January, culminating with the winner’s show.
On 19th January 2018, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb attended the Festival.
The 42nd event was held at the Chapiteau of Monaco (Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille), an open-air amusement park by the sea.