The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace

23 – 25 May 2026 

This late May Bank Holiday, The Big Bahooey returns to Hampton Court Palace for a family-friendly festival of fun. With a brand-new lineup of world-class entertainment and jaw-dropping acts, the gardens of Henry VIII’s palace will transform into a vibrant playground of carnival joy. 

Presented by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace, in collaboration with pioneering show-makers Cirque Bijou, The Big Bahooey will come to life with everything from circus magic to riotous comedy, street theatre to acrobatic stunts, for a long weekend of celebration. Across the palace gardens, audiences can expect a colourful blend of visual spectacle, music and oodles of silliness, designed for visitors of all ages.

Families are invited to marvel at aerial cabarets with gravity-defying performers, dance along to lively beats, take part in creative workshops and more – The Big Bahooey offers a gloriously silly escape into a weekend of serious nonsense.

What’s in store at The Big Bahooey:

• Hands-on fun: Learn tricks of the trade, from juggling to wire walking, or get crafty in make-and-take creative workshops.
• Gravity-defying aerial cabaret: Marvel at performers as they take to the skies, featuring a live violinist in flight, striking trapeze displays and flying acrobatics.
• Exciting circus and street acts: A rolling programme of circus displays blending street spectacles and comedic antics, from the raucous Falconry Dismay to acrobatic archery.
• Live music: Jam along to high-energy beats and spirited rhythms, ranging from explosive beatboxing to traditional Ghanaian music.
• Interactive fun and exciting encounters: Take part in pop-up performances, exciting interactions and meet playful creatures roaming around the gardens.
• Street food and family picnics: Grab a tasty treat from a selection of street food vendors, with plenty of space to relax on the grass for picnic. 

Entrance to The Big Bahooey is included in standard admission to Hampton Court Palace. To catch their breath from the thrills of the festival, visitors can adventure through 60 acres of historic gardens, run wild in the Magic Garden or brave the world’s oldest puzzle maze, before exploring one of Britain’s most iconic palaces.