Geneva (Switzerland), 26 November 2010 – Saturday, 27 November 2010 sees the launch of a brand new family TV entertainment format: The Magic Circus Show. This pan-European circus show features European children performing circus acts under the big top in Geneva. The show is organized by Eurovision TV at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) together with host broadcaster RTS (Radio Télévision Suisse), and is due to be broadcast over the Christmas season.

Over 40 children aged 7–14 from different parts of Europe will perform acts reflecting the rich and diverse circus traditions of Europe under one big top. Jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns and air gymnasts will show off their talent. The acts were selected in a rigorous selection procedure in their home countries. It promises to be a magical performance for spectators and television viewers alike.

For the European Broadcasting Union, this is a unique experience and the first time a circus programme has been set up within Eurovision family entertainment. The host broadcaster is Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS). Coproducers include France 3, RTP (Portugal), RTR (Russia), RTS (Switzerland), TROS (Netherlands), VRT Ketnet (Belgium). The show will also be broadcast by RAI (Italy), RTVSLO (Slovenia), NTU (Ukraine), RTSI (Switzerland), TV5 Monde and TV5 Canada.

Nadja Burkhardt, Eurovision TV Project Manager for the show states,“It is so wonderful to see children from all over Europe come together to share their passion for the circus.” She continues, “This show provides a delightful opportunity for children from all over Europe to experience the rich and diverse mixture of circus artists during the festive season. This is only the beginning and we look forward it to becoming a great European tradition!” An even broader range of EBU Members have already shown a strong interest in “sharing the magic” by taking part in the show next year.

Eurovision News Exchange
A news item on the Magic Circus show will be available on the Eurovision News Exchanges (EVN) on Monday 29 November at 16.00 GMT. This news item is also available for the Eurovision Youth News Exchange (YNE).

Broadcast times of Magic Circus Show:  

VRT Ketnet 25 December 2010, 17:45-19:25 
TROS  25 December 2010, 19:00-20:30 on Nederland 3
France TV 25 December 2010, 10:25
RTP  25 December 2010, 13:00
RTS  30 December 2010, 20:00
RTR  1-7 January, 2011

For further information about the additional broadcasters please contact Nadja Burkhardt directly: [email protected]