Gloucester hosts UK premiere of floating circus show

Strike A Light is bringing a never-before-seen spectacle to Gloucester this August 2025, with a daring dance and circus show performed on a floating staircase.

By Chloe Gorman | Published Friday 15 August 2025

The Weight of Water is a daring floating circus show from Dutch dance company Panama Pictures – and its UK premiere is happening in Gloucester this August 2025.

The UK premiere of a floating circus show is coming to Gloucester this August 2025 – and it's free to watch!

The Weight of Water is a gripping outdoor show from Dutch dance company Panama Pictures, blending elements of dance, live music and circus performed on a giant floating staircase which tilts and sways under the performers' weight.

The show is coming to the UK for the first time, with performances taking place on the water at Gloucester Docks on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August 2025, presented by Strike A Light as part of a weekend of free outdoor performances.

As part of its work with Global Streets, Strike A Light is bringing the ambitious show to Gloucester for the first stop on its national tour.

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Strike A Light's artistic director, Emma-Jane Benning, said: 'We’re so excited to be bringing The Weight of Water to Gloucester for its UK premiere – it’s a huge deal to have international work of this scale right here in the city.

'A big thank you to our brilliant partners Global Streets, Gloucester City Council, Canal and River Trust and Arts Council England for making it possible. It’s not every day you get to see world-class performance at Gloucester Docks – and even better, it’s totally free!'

Alongside the premiere, Strike A Light is also shining a spotlight on homegrown talent, with performances including No Time To Waste – a 'punchy and playful dance piece' on the themes of plastic waste and overconsumption from Gloucester-based choreographer Hannah Woodliffe; and a VR dance experience from the internationally-acclaimed Humanhood.

All events are free to attend with no need to book tickets.

Visit the Strike A Light website for more information.