ICONIC British miliner Philip Treacy is to design 12 bespoke pieces for the Giffords Circus 2015 summer tour, which is entitled Moon Songs. Headwear by the internationally famed milliner is going to form part of the costumes for the 12 members of the company’s Ethiopian troupe.

Giffords Circus founder Nell Gifford visited Philip’s London studio along with creative designer Lindsay Pugh and Director Cal McCrystal. Nell said: “We are privileged to be working with Philip and thrilled to announce our collaboration. I’ve been an admirer of his work for many years and we are very excited to see him bring his touch to Moon Songs.”

Philip said: “There is a real synergy between my work and that of Giffords Circus: we both pride ourselves on our expert craftsmanship, originality and theatricality. I’m really looking forward to working on a new challenge and creating something unique for Moon Songs. I love when hats make your heart beat faster and on each hat I spend as much time as it requires to become extraordinary. Combined with Lindsay’s stunning costumes and Nell’s vision, Moon Songs promises to be a phenomenal show.”

Moon Songs invites audiences to enter the world of the Victorian Luna Park; a fairground run by larger than life illusionist and man of magic and mystery, Orodoff, and his Little Man assistant, David. Firm favourites and exciting newcomers will form the critically acclaimed company who will once again return with a host of highly skilled acts.

This year Giffords Circus’ famous jugglers, Bibi and Bichu bring their cousins from Ethiopia, all 12 of them, and magician Orodoff tries and fails to command this giant troupe of dancing gymnasts. Clown Tweedy is shot from a cannon and then turns himself into the man in the moon, the bear gallops past on a pony, the carousel horses come to life, the weather in the tent turns wintry, the jugglers are suddenly upside down, the little man laughs and chaos reigns in this topsy turvy lunatic world.

Moon Songs will run from May to September across the Cotswolds and the South West with a short foray into London. The tour opens at Giffords Circus’ new HQ at Fennells Farm, Stroud on 15 May.

For a full list of tour dates, locations and to book tickets, visit the Giffords Circus website at www.giffordscircus.com