On Friday evening, we, like hundreds of other families, ascended onto Burrs Country Park for a night of mystery and madness.

After months of excitement, it was time to experience The Lost Carnival.  Little breadcrumbs had been slowly revealing what the evening would entail but we were still in the dark until we entered the big top tent.

Upon arrival, we handed over our tickets, walked deep into the field, across a bridge and past the large number of circus folk until we spotted the big top tent. We entered.

Bright red lights welcomed us when the ringmaster appeared, alongside a wacky woman playing the accordion. We were informed about the story of The Lost Carnival – why it disappeared and under what circumstances.

We were told that in order for The Lost Carnival to live on, we would need the phoenix to return through the collection of feathers. Each visitor received a golden feather alongside their ticket, which we needed to bring ‘at our own peril’…

After the history was revealed, we were released into the carnival by the ringmaster, where we were welcomed by an enchanted area of fortune telling, spectacular trickery and fun. With costume encouraged, we were surrounded by clowns, mimes, princesses and other magical characters both small and large (of child and adult).

The chant tent was filled with children learning The Lost Carnival rhyme, which was needed to repeat in order to bring the carnival back. The question on everyone’s lips was, will it return?

The spectacular ending saw a dramatic entrance from a steam train before the BIG reveal on stage– an appearance from the phoenix, rising from its ashes.

The event was great fun for individuals of all ages, including adults as the aura surrounding the carnival was intense. With contortionists, stage performances from The Lost Carnival characters and activities across the park, it was an event hugely popular with families from the North.

We can’t wait to see what conundrums The Lost Carnival will face next year or the year after, as somehow, we don’t see this being a happy ending… or will it?

The Lost Carnival was truly magical.