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WowActs

Every UK postcode covered

Sideshow & Daredevil Acts for Hire in the UK

Old-time sideshow and daredevil acts, from sword swallowers and knife throwers to whip crackers, snake handlers and comedy strongmen.

Sideshow Acts
  • Living statues
  • Stilt walkers
  • Champagne walkers
  • Aerialists
  • Fire shows
  • Giant martini glass
  • Can-can
  • Mermaids
  • LED performers
  • Jazz & swing
  • Gatsby nights
  • Winter wonderland

Photos ยท 4

From real events

Picture this at your event

Free, no-obligation quotes. Most enquiries take about a minute.

Themes

Sideshow & Daredevil Acts in a themed package

Book this act on its own, or as part of a full themed line-up.

How it works

Booking is easy

  1. 1

    Tell us about your event

    Your date, venue, guest numbers and the feeling you want. A theme in mind, or just a blank canvas. It takes a minute.

  2. 2

    Get your line-up and quote

    We suggest the acts that fit your space, timings and budget, and send one clear quote with everything included.

  3. 3

    We bring the wow

    We plan arrival, set-up and timings with your venue and event team, then the performers do what they do best.

The guide

Booking sideshow and daredevil acts in the UK: the complete guide

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Written by The WowActs team, Event entertainment specialists

ยท Last updated

The short answer

WowActs books professional sideshow and daredevil acts for corporate events, Christmas parties, launches and weddings across the UK, as a single act or part of a themed package. Tell us your date, venue and the feeling you want and we will suggest the right line-up. Every event is different. Prices depend on the acts, the number of performers, timings, travel and location, so we quote each booking individually.

  • Hand-picked

    professional performers only

  • Fully themed

    costumes styled to your event

  • UK-wide

    every postcode covered

  • Corporate ready

    briefed to your run of show

  • Single act or package

    mix and match freely

  • One clear quote

    usually the same day

What is a sideshow act?

Sideshow acts come from the travelling fairs and circuses of the past: sword swallowing, knife throwing, whip cracking, snake handling, foot archery and comedy strongman feats. They are part skill, part showmanship, and they get a big reaction from any crowd.

Every act is performed by specialists with their own safety routines, and the more dangerous elements are planned with the venue in advance. Sideshow works best as a short, staged spot or as part of a circus or vintage showman theme.

Where it works best

  • Circus and showman themes

    The thrill of an old travelling fair.

  • Awards nights

    A daring spot between categories.

  • Christmas parties

    Something guests will still be talking about in January.

  • Launches

    Daredevil skill for a bold brand.

  • Halloween parties

    Dark, theatrical old-time acts.

  • Festivals

    Short shows that draw a crowd.

Tips from our team

  1. 1

    Plan a safe viewing area

    Knife throwing, whips and archery need a clear zone between the act and guests. We agree it with the venue.

  2. 2

    Check the venue rules

    Some venues have rules about blades or live animals. We ask before confirming.

  3. 3

    Use a compere

    A host or ringmaster to introduce each act builds the tension and the payoff.

Frequently asked questions

Are sideshow acts safe?

They are performed by experienced specialists with their own safety routines, and we plan the space and viewing distance with your venue.

Can we book snake handling indoors?

Usually, yes, subject to the venue's rules. The handler manages the animals and guests can choose whether to get close.

Is it suitable for every audience?

Some acts are more intense than others. Tell us about your guests and we will suggest the right mix.

How much do sideshow and daredevil acts cost in the UK?

There is no one fixed price. Every event is different. Prices depend on the acts, the number of performers, timings, travel and location, so we quote each booking individually. Send us your date, venue and timings and we will come back with a clear quote, usually the same day.

How far ahead should we book?

As early as you can. Friday and Saturday dates in December and the summer months go first, often months ahead. Short notice is sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.

Can the performers match our theme or brand colours?

Usually, yes. Tell us your theme, colours or brand guidelines and we will suggest the costumes and acts that fit best.

Do you work with our venue and event team?

Yes. We agree access, changing space, timings and any venue rules before the day, and work to your run of show.

Still have questions?

Tell us about your event and we'll come back with options.

Get a quote

Get a quote for sideshow and daredevil acts

Tell us your date, venue and the moments you want to fill. We'll send one clear quote.

Get a free quote