Circus performers, jugglers, storytellers and hula hoop experts will roll up to Chatsworth Road this Saturday to celebrate the opening the new premises of Harrogate entertainment supplies business Butterfingers.
The business is the biggest circus and juggling wholesaler in the UK and although it has been operating in the town for ten years it has just moved to bigger and brighter premises.
- Steph Martin, partner of circus supplier Butterfingers (left) with commercial property solicitor Sophie Barton, of Berwins, and juggler Jim Halloran. Photo by Giles Rocholl.
Partner Steph Martin said the showroom would be open to the public from 9am to 5pm on Saturday with plenty of family entertainment on offer.
She said tough economic times inspired her to make the move to bigger premises.
“I know it sounds a bit unconventional, but I actually decided to take the leap and move into bigger premises due to the recession. In hard times you’ve got to move forward if you can and grasp the opportunity,” she said.
Sophie Barton, a commercial property solicitor at Harrogate law firm Berwins, specialises in helping businesses negotiate leases and advised Butterfingers on securing the new building.
“The business had outgrown its existing unit in Starbeck and needed larger premises that would allow for expansion and diversification,” explained Sophie.
“My role was to explain some of the tenancy issues involved and help the business negotiate terms on the new lease.”
Butterfingers supplies entertainment equipment to circuses and performing artists nationwide. The company also sponsors places for underprivileged children at the Greentop Circus School in Sheffield.
The new wholesale premises are open to the general public and have space for balloon modeling and face painting workshops for trades people and entertainers. It has also launched a new line of skateboards and scooters.
Saturday’s free family fun day will feature face painting, storytelling, hula hoop workshops, jugglers and circus performers.
