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About brightFX education

brightFX was formed in 2001 by a group of circus performers and pyrotechnicians with the aim of creating new spectacular shows combining all their skills. The initial commission, from Zap Productions and South East Arts, was to produce “ignite!” a high impact circus spectacular for the finale of the 2002 Circus Festival in Brighton.

A grant from the Arts Council Touring Fund Programme enabled brightFX to take ignite! around the UK in 2003. Additional versions of the show were then developed to suit different types of venue and sizes of budget.
In 2004, brightFX amalgamated with Mr Fizzbangs Circus which has produced children shows and run workshops since 1992. As well as being skilled performers, our tutors are selected for their patience and ability to encourage people to maximise their potential. They are fully insured, and have been CRB checked.

BrightFX education is run by Richard Thompson and John Kennett. Richard qualified as a secondary mathematics teacher in 1988, joining the Circus world in 1992. He has taught circus workshops around the world, from orphanages in Romania to the war zones of Kosovo and East Timor as well as schools and colleges throughout the UK. He has a vast experience of working with young people.

John Kennett was diabolo champion at the 14th European Juggling Convention 1991 held in Verona, and is possibly the only person to juggle three clubs whilst skydiving! He has taught countless people to juggle, and organised the British Juggling Convention in 2003.

The workshops offered by brightFX education have been devised with a lot of input from our team of tutors. Whilst they are designed to achieve the maximum amount of the fun they also meet attainment targets within three curriculum areas — PE, PHSE and English (Drama) — for Key Stage areas 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Why choose brightFX?
  • Working with young people since 1992
  • Workshop content tailored to your students’ requirements
  • Dynamic and professional circus tutors
  • All ages and abilities catered for from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 4
  • Extensive references and support information
  • Comprehensive risk assessments
  • All tutors have current CRB certificates
  • £2,000,000 public liability
  • £5,000,000 employers’ liability
  • Guaranteed value for money!


We are passionate about what we do
and look forward to working with you and your students in the future.
brightFX education
40 Portland Avenue, Hove, East Sussex BN3 5NG, UK
Answer machine 01273 239700 (+44 1273 239700 from outside the UK)
Mobile 07961 321654 (+44 7961 321654 from outside the UK)
Email education@brightfx.co.uk