On Donegall Street, the doors of St Anne’s Cathedral face a scene with nothing ecclesiastical about it: the Tumble Circus big top. Inside, the ring is surrounded by spectators. At times, you have to look up to follow an act; at others, the joke unfolds at ground level. Winter Circus returns to Belfast for the festive season, with a show designed to be watched from every angle.
For its tenth edition, Tumble Circus is announcing 26 performances and new acrobatic, juggling and aerial circus acts. Founders Ken and Tina are among the returning artists. This is an animal-free circus: the show relies on the performers’ skill, precision and sense of the unexpected. The circular layout changes the way it is watched: the movements of the bodies and the reactions of the other spectators are part of what you see.
The big top is on Writers’ Square, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. If you are spending the festive season in Belfast with children, a morning of sightseeing followed by a daytime performance means you will not have to cross the city late in the evening. The show lasts around 70 minutes without an interval: a useful point to bear in mind when choosing a performance with young children.
Winter Circus runs from 18 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. The schedule includes days without performances, including Christmas Day, but there is a show on New Year’s Day. The official Tumble Circus calendar lets you choose your date. When booking, distinguish between the time the doors open and the start of the show: the box office may highlight the entry time.
The adapted performance on 22 December includes adjustments to the lighting and sound, more space between seats, and a more flexible approach to audience movement and noise. An additional accessible toilet is provided for this performance. The big top also has a drop-off point on Donegall Street and accessible toilets. If you need a wheelchair space or a companion ticket, let Tumble Circus know before booking.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Chapiteau de Tumble Circus, Writers’ Square, Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HB, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
