PHILIP Treacy will design 12 bespoke pieces for the Giffords Circus 2015 summer tour 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 Treacy has become one of the world's most sought after hat designers. His headwear pieces are as popular with European aristocrats as with Hollywood royalty. Philip’s creations have amassed a loyal following of style icons including the late Isabella Blow, Daphne Guinness, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dita Von Teese and Madonna to name but a few. Widely credited for changing the perception of the hat, Philip designs hats to flatter and enhance the wearer.

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.”

Philip will work alongside Lindsay Pugh and Nell Gifford to craft the look for the Ethiopian troupe. Lindsay Pugh worked on numerous blockbuster films before joining Giffords Circus, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), James Bond Quantum of Solace (2008), Closer (2004) and Mamma Mia! (2008).

Lindsay Pugh joined Giffords Circus in 2010. To date, Lindsay has produced costumes for tours including Yasmine (2010), War & Peace (2011), The Saturday Book (2012), Lucky 13 (2013) and The Thunders (2014).

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. Along the way, Giffords Circus will visit the following locations: Sudeley Castle, Stadhampton Village Green, Blenheim Palace, Oxford University Parks, Daylesford Organic Farm, The Fox Inn at Barrington, Frampton Village Green, Minchinhampton Common, Marlborough Common and Cirencester before returning to Fennells Farm until 20 September.

For a full list of tour dates, locations and to book tickets, visit the Giffords Circus website at www.giffordscircus.com or call the Box Office on 0845 459 7469. Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £14 for children with the exception of Chiswick House & Gardens. Tickets for these performances are priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child. Under 3s are free to all shows if they are sitting on a lap.