For two months they toured schools and random, half blown up buildings putting smiles back on faces. They were told again and again by parents that they hadn’t seen their kids laugh like that - from their bellies - for years. So, despite a few sketchy moments, and a brief kidnapping, all went very well. So well, in fact, that some of them were keen to keep going, and Israel and Palestine were the next destinations (by this time Iraq was just too risky). They went down a treat, and estimate that they made around 10,000 children smile, and yes, about five cry. And now, they want to do it all again.

And if Iraq and Palestine don’t do it for you, you can still run away with this circus, for one night only, on the 25th Nov, in a warehouse somewhere in Shoreditch, as they try and raise cash for the next tour.

Showcasing some of the best of London’s underground acts, including the Dead Silence Syndicate, Peace not War artist the Rub, and cutting edge breaks supplied by Analogue People, and producers Paradigm x and Cymatix, with alternative tunes by friendly squat party legends Departure Lounge, not to mention the special Boomchucka circus Random acts of Beauty, roadkill cabaret featuring Badger Pole dancers, a special guest appearance by the Padded Cell Disco, cocktails, posh clobber and filthy drum and bass, this will be a belter of a night, not to be missed, with all profits going to the circus.

We should point out that all circus members fund their own trips, and they have no admin costs, all funds go on stuff out there, such as transport, which can be a nightmare with the restrictions put in place by ‘governing bodies’, as well as on equipment to leave behind, eg parachutes to play games with.

This is not a political statement, or a religious organisation, but is about the very simple principle of having a laugh, so come and have a laugh with the circus in Shoreditch, so that they can go and have a laugh with some kids in the was torn areas of the middle east, who could really do with it.

For info on the circus go to www.circus2iraq.org
For tickets/venue info for the party, got to www.electrocircus.org