Founded in 2001, and present every year since with a new production at major UK and European festivals, Bassline continues to harness Bass music’s raw energy – with circus to match – alongside a new generation of physical, sonic and visual performers. The company currently focuses on running inclusive workshops, producing outdoor community events and creating touring productions such as: KID_X, [ON AIR] and Liquid Sky. Recent collabs include Bristol Pride, Tramway Theatre, Saffron Records, Feral Arts, Pride Without Borders, Fusion Festival (Germany) and Boomtown Fair.

Bassline was formed by veteran sound systems from the European free party scene who joined forces with young circus performers who understood the link between traditional outcast travelling art forms and its modern incarnations. Though many from our original crew have moved on to other high profile UK festival projects, Bassline Circus always tries to keep that conscious vibe that links bass music and a spirit of resistance; and this goes far beyond music too!

Our fearless and DIY approach to visual arts that seamlessly includes lush video-mapped sets, creative rigging and full-on venue management is made possible by a crew with deep understanding of The Collective principle that the Criminal Justice Bill was trying to suppress.

And with such a loving and dedicated crew around us, we’re lucky now to attract young artists who want to connect with that core experience and help us keep it real with their own contributions.

Education has historically been an important part of your company mission. Why’s that?

Bassline Circus was born from the ashes of the European and British festival, free party and circus scenes, and despite many changes over the years, still believes in, and functions around a central ethos of Create-Innovate-Educate-Activate.

We have a vision to help people see differently, think outside the box, challenge themselves and create their own realities. We at Bassline Circus believe that our purpose has been to provide opportunities and a platform for people of all backgrounds – especially those with less access to artistic activities – to take part in creative projects with circus, music and visual arts as their vehicle.