Gravelines International Circus Festival
Europe's largest big top hosts the best circus artists
About Gravelines Circus Festival
International Circus Comes to Gravelines
Since 2022, the Hauts-de-France International Circus Festival has made Gravelines the capital of traditional and contemporary circus in France. Organized by Imperial Show, this international event takes place at the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, under Europe's largest big top, offering a spectacular show to the thousands of spectators who flock there each year.
An Exceptional Show
The festival presents a selection of the world's best circus acts, carefully chosen to offer a complete and varied show. Artists from all over the planet perform under the giant big top, offering a program that delights all generations.
Acrobats and Aerialists
Acrobatic acts form the backbone of the show. Trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, contortionists, and tumblers defy the laws of gravity in breathtaking performances. Aerial acts, performed several meters high under the big top's dome, offer moments of pure grace and emotion.
Clowns and Comedic Artists
True to the great circus tradition, the festival gives pride of place to clowns and comedic artists. Their humorous interludes punctuate the show, bringing lightness and laughter between the most spectacular acts. From Auguste clowns to poetic clowns, all styles are represented.
The Gala Evening
The highlight of the festival, the gala evening brings together a jury of personalities from the world of circus and entertainment. This prestigious evening, held on Saturday night, is an opportunity to award prizes to the festival's best acts, in an elegant and festive atmosphere.
Europe's Largest Big Top
The festival is distinguished by its exceptional setting. The big top, the largest in Europe, can accommodate several thousand spectators in optimal conditions. Its impressive size allows for large-scale acts that are impossible in traditional big tops, offering a show worthy of the greatest international circus competitions.
Gravelines, Land of Spectacle
Gravelines, a fortified town built by Vauban on the North Sea coast, offers a remarkable heritage setting for the festival. The PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, a vast natural and leisure area, is perfectly suited for setting up the large big top and all the infrastructure necessary for an event of this scale.
Gravelines Circus Festival — edition 2026
5th International Circus Festival of Hauts-de-France, from November 20 to 22, 2026 in Gravelines, under Europe's largest heated big top (2,500 seats). About ten international acts for a two-hour show, with a gala evening on Saturday and the presentation of the Vauban d'Or, d'Argent, de Bronze and de Cristal by a jury of personalities.
The 5th edition of the international circus in Gravelines
From Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22, 2026, the International Circus Festival of Hauts-de-France returns for its 5th edition at the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, under Europe's largest heated big top, capable of accommodating 2,500 spectators. Organized by the City of Gravelines and the SIVOM de l'Aa et de la Colme, with production by Imperial Show, the event offers a two-hour show bringing together about ten high-level international artists.
An international lineup
The 2026 edition brings together acts from around the world: juggling, aerial straps, magic, clown, hand-to-hand acrobatics, contortion, rare bird training, hip-hop dance, Russian swing, hair suspension, and a spectacular FMX (freestyle motocross) finale. The show is presented by Amandine Santin and accompanied by an orchestra directed by Mylène Vallens.
The gala evening and awards
The highlight of the event, the gala evening, takes place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 8:30 PM. A jury composed of personalities from the circus, variety, cinema, theater, music, humor, and sports, as well as the public, elect the best acts, rewarded with the Vauban d'Or, d'Argent, de Bronze, de Cristal, and the public's prize.
Programme Gravelines Circus Festival 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Performance
Saturday, November 21, 2026
- 1:30 PM — Performance
- 5:00 PM — Performance
- 8:30 PM — Gala evening (jury and personalities, awards ceremony)
Sunday, November 22, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Performance
- 2:00 PM — Performance
- 5:30 PM — Performance
The 2026 acts
- Pablo Martinez (Mexico) — Juggling
- Regina Laruss (Hungary) — Aerial straps
- Nicolas Del Pozzo (France) — Magic
- Moroco (clown, spotted at the Elefant d'Or Festival in Girona 2026)
- Prilepin Quartet (Ukraine) — Hand-to-hand acrobatics, Bronze Clown at the 43rd Monte-Carlo Festival
- Lorenzo Bernardi (Italy) — Contortion
- Andrejs Fjodorov (Latvia) — Rare bird training
- Urban Crew (Philippines) — Hip-hop dance
- Gritzko Team — Russian swing and parallel bars
- Ilya & Regina — Hair suspension (Silver Clown at the Monte-Carlo Festival, January 2026)
- Compagnie Wasner (Switzerland) — FMX finale (freestyle motocross)
Highlights Gravelines Circus Festival 2026
- Europe's largest heated big top (2,500 seats)
- About ten award-winning international acts (Monte-Carlo, Girona)
- Gala evening on Saturday with a jury of personalities and presentation of the Vauban d'Or
- Spectacular FMX (freestyle motocross) finale
Prices Gravelines Circus Festival 2026
Practical information — Gravelines Circus Festival
Access
Gravelines is located on the Nord coast, between Calais and Dunkirk.
- By car: A16 motorway, Gravelines/Loon-Plage exit. The PAarc des Rives de l'Aa is signposted from the motorway exit.
- By train: Gravelines station or Dunkirk station (15 km), then bus or taxi connection.
Venue
The festival takes place at the PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, in Gravelines, under Europe's largest big top.
Times
Several performances are offered over three days, with afternoon and evening shows. Gala evening on Saturday at 8:30 PM.
Prices
From €9 to €35 depending on seat categories and performances. Reduced prices for children.
Ticketing
Tickets available online and on-site.
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Where does it take place — Gravelines Circus Festival
PAarc des Rives de l'Aa
PAarc des Rives de l'Aa, 59820 Gravelines