UK’s Circus Funtasia: Leading the Solar Power Revolution

A pioneering investment in renewable technology aims to reduce emissions while keeping live entertainment affordable for families. Circus Funtasia has announced a milestone for the UK’s touring entertainment industry, becoming what it believes is the first touring circus in the country to operate using solar power instead of relying primarily on diesel generators.

The initiative follows a significant investment in renewable energy technology, with solar panels installed across the company’s fleet of touring articulated vehicles alongside a high-capacity battery storage system. Together, the system provides electricity for many of the circus’s daily operational needs, including lighting, sound, catering equipment, air conditioning, and heating.

For a touring production that travels thousands of miles each season, energy costs have become an increasingly significant challenge. Rather than passing those rising costs on to audiences through higher ticket prices, Circus Funtasia chose to invest in a long-term solution designed to reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact.

“We reached a point where we had two choices: increase ticket prices or find a completely different way of operating,” a Circus Funtasia spokesperson said. “Families across Britain are already feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, and we didn’t want affordable live entertainment to become another casualty of rising costs.”

The company says the project represents one of the most significant sustainability investments ever undertaken by a UK touring circus and demonstrates that renewable energy can be successfully integrated into large-scale live productions.

A New Approach to Touring

Touring circuses face unique logistical challenges. Every move requires transporting large tents, seating, technical equipment, and support facilities between locations, traditionally relying on diesel-powered generators to supply electricity once the production is on site.

Circus Funtasia’s new system seeks to change that model by capturing solar energy throughout the tour and storing it in battery systems capable of supporting the production’s daily operations.

While diesel generators remain available when required, the company’s dependence on fossil fuels has been significantly reduced, lowering both operating costs and emissions.

The investment also reflects a broader shift taking place across the live events industry, where organizations are increasingly exploring renewable technologies and more sustainable production practices without compromising audience experience.

Sustainability Without Sacrificing Spectacle

Despite the changes behind the scenes, audiences can expect the same high-energy production Circus Funtasia has become known for.

The 2026 tour features international circus artists performing a lineup of large-scale acts, including what the company describes as the UK’s largest Globe of Death, where motorcycle riders perform inside a steel sphere at speeds approaching 60 mph. The production also includes the Wheel of Death, Cuban acrobats performing trampoline and springboard routines, and returning comedy performer “The Geek.”

The transition to renewable energy has been designed to support the show’s technical requirements while maintaining production quality.

“Our hope is that this isn’t just good news for Circus Funtasia,” the spokesperson added. “We hope it encourages other touring productions to consider greener, more sustainable ways of operating.”

Looking Ahead

As sustainability continues to become a greater priority across the performing arts sector, Circus Funtasia’s investment illustrates how environmental responsibility and financial resilience can work together.

By adopting renewable energy while maintaining accessible ticket prices, the company hopes to demonstrate that innovation can strengthen—not compromise—the future of touring live entertainment.

2026 Tour Stops

Helston: July 23 – August 9
Bude: August 13 – August 31
Pool: September 9 – September 20
Par Market: September 24 – October 4

Main image: Courtesy of Circus Funtasia.