A Mark of Excellence! Zippos Circus is honoured and grateful to have received the distinguished Big Top Label certification, solidifying our place among the elite of global circuses. As the FIRST and ONLY British tenting circus to achieve this prestigious certification – akin to a Michelin star or an Oscar – we're more committed than ever to bringing you world-class entertainment.

This is a seal of quality. A certificate that accredits and guarantees the quality of circuses according to its proposal, its values, its dedication, its show, its care. A control system that ensures the quality of circus art.

The top cultural managers of the EU carefully choose the reference circuses of the world landscape to grant Zippos Circus the 'Big Top Label'.

In 2023, only three circuses were chosen:

  • Circus Raluy Legacy (Spain)
  • Flória Richter Circusz (Hungary)
  • Zippos Circus (United Kingdom)

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One of the most important objectives of the BTL project is the recognition of quality and the highlighting of exemplary achievements. 

Zippos Circus was inspected in summer 2023, and the detailed report was examined by the BTL Committee. Zippos Circus was noted as being "legendary and long-standing, one of the defining and guiding institutions of the circus world".

To date, only twelve circuses have received this European Quality Certificate of Circuses. As two are building-based circuses, we are even more proud to be recognised as one of only ten tenting circuses in Europe with Big Top Label certification. 

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Big Top Label is highly respected throughout Europe, and everyone at Zippos Circus is delighted with this achievement. Zippos Circus founder, Martin Burton, said, "It is a huge honour for Zippos Circus to be recognised amongst the very finest circuses in Europe. We are immensely proud that Zippos Circus has achieved a sufficient score to become a member of the small elite club of BTL-certified circuses.

"Thank you all for making it possible. Especially to our audience who has driven us to improve every day. The Zippos Circus family will never stop fighting to preserve this legacy that has endured time, and we will always carry the art of the circus to the highest!

"Thank you!"

More info: bigtoplabel.com

The presentation to the winners was held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 6th December 2023.

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