Picture gallery: circus performers take over central London

Large areas of the capital including Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Waterloo Place were closed off to traffic for the spectacle, which brought to life some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Twelve specially created stages, including a freestanding 13.5 metre-tall circular structure at Waterloo Place, were built to host acts like flying trapeze artists, hula hoopers, BMX street dancers, tightrope walkers and Chinese pole artists. Roaming performers also mingled with the crowds in between stages.

The event opened at 1pm and went on until after dark, culminating with a dramatic aerial finale in Piccadilly Circus. 

It was commissioned by the Mayor of London as part of the London 2012 Festival, with funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery.

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