New companies included in the statistics
The circus statistics comprise both comtemporary circus and traditional touring circus. Now also fire art groups are included as an own category.
The number of circus performances compiled in the statistics of 2008 was all together 804 performances. The number has increased by 23% from 2007. The growth is based on the fact that five new contemporary circus companies and two fire art groups were included in the statistics.
The number of contemporary circus performances compiled in the statistics of 2008 was all together 422 performances. Overlapping caused by reciprocal visits is taken into account in the figures. Compared to the figures of the previous year the number of contemporary circus performances has increased by 7 %.
The aggregate attendance of the circus performances was 317 643 spectators in 2008. The number has grown by 14 % and is due to the number of new companies now included in the statistics.
The aggregate attendance of Finnish contemporary circus companies in the year of 2008 was 37 112 spectators in Finland (the number has almost doubled) and 21 361 spectators abroad. I.e. overseas performances comprise a third of Finnish contemporary circus attendance. During 2008, seven Finnish circus companies visited a total of 13 countries. Contemporary circus companies without state-subsidy gave over 60 % of performances in 2008 and a similar percentage value of spectators attended their shows.
The circus companies included in the statistics produced all together 27 first premieres in 2008. The number of first premieres compiled in statistics has grown by a third from the previous year.