The figures of comtemporary circus companies keep rising
The circus statistics comprise contemporary circus, fire art and traditional touring circus. The number of circus performances compiled in the statistics of 2010 was altogether 1187.
The number has increased by 36 % from 2009. The total number of performances has grown from the last year, which is based on the growth of the number of circus performances by contemporary circus companies from 2009 to 2010. The number of traditional circus performances has remained on the same level as the previous year. During the years 2006-2010, the number of circus performances has nearly doubled.
The number of contemporary circus performances compiled in the statistics of 2010 was 829 performances in total. 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 34 %.
The aggregate attendance of the circus performances was 395 099 spectators in 2010. The number is 26 % higher than the previous year. New contemporary circus companies and fire art groups were included in the statistics, which has increased the number of aggregate attendance. During the past four years (2006-2010) the aggregate attendance of circus performances has increased with over 130 000 spectators.
The aggregate attendance of Finnish contemporary circus companies has increased both in Finland and abroad. The growth has been particularly strong in Finland in the year of 2010. The aggregate attendance of Finnish contemporary circus companies was 82 776 spectators in Finland, which is two-thirds higher than the previous year, and 64 822 spectators abroad, which is one-fourth higher than the previous year. During 2010, ten Finnish circus companies visited a total of 20 countries.