Fundraising Director

Michelle Crossley

“It was very important to me that we built a team that reflected the Circus Starr ethos and created a working environment that was inclusive, family-friendly and flexible. We have grandparents, mums and dads on our team and firmly believe that a child’s Christmas play or sports day glory shouldn’t be missed!

We always endeavour to accommodate the individual needs of our staff… and looking at our highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working team, I would have to say that our flexibility pays off.”

Michelle has been a part of our team for 15 years. She began as our receptionist before gaining hands-on experience in accounts and sales. Michelle now leads Circus Starr’s telephone fundraising team.

Michelle and her team, who consist of full- and part-time staff and incredible volunteers, develop and grow their relationship with our current supporters whilst researching new funding opportunities that allow us to bring our circus to a town near you.

If you would like to find out about joining our telephone fundraising team, we’d love to hear from you – please email info@circus-starr.org.uk.

Director

Simon Atkins

“I’m passionate about Circus Starr’s aims and enjoy making sure that, as a CIC, we manage our donations and help as many children and their families access our circus as possible”

Simon is Circus Starr’s numbers man as well as being a non-executive Director. Having trained and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992, his financial acumen and advice has proved invaluable in streamlining our financial systems, budget plan and completing our year-end accounts.

Communications & Engagement Manager

Mollie Fish

Introducing Mollie, our Communications and Engagement Manager and creative powerhouse! With a deep passion for all things creative and extensive experience in events and marketing, she has become an expert in social communications. Mollie plays a pivotal role in driving our social initiatives, dedicated to enhancing community outreach and raising awareness of our vital work.

On a mission to showcase the incredible impact of Circus Starr, Mollie connects with families and communities that benefit from our magical performances. She expertly manages all things social—from press releases to multi-channel marketing campaigns— crafting opportunities that elevate public awareness about our mission

For family stories, interviews, and photo opportunities, please contact Mollie at 01260 288690 or mollie@circus-starr.org.uk

Donated Ticket Coordinator

Joanne Young

“I have the lovely job of offering donated tickets to local charities, SEN Schools, hospices and children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions. As I am visually impaired myself, I am very passionate about the accessible events that Circus Starr offers. The feedback we receive from the children is heartwarming, and I find my role extremely rewarding.”

Every year Circus Starr donates more than £1.37m worth of free circus tickets to over 3,500 children’s charities through its unique Donated Ticket Programme.

If you’d like to apply for donated tickets for your organisation, please email jo@circus-starr.org.uk or call her on 01260 288690. For individual family enquiries please submit our online Apply For Tickets form.

Events Coordinator

Jon Mitchell

“I have loved every second of my Circus Starr journey so far. Knowing that our shows make such a difference in each community that we visit is truly heartwarming.”

Jon has over 10 years of experience working in the events industry, which helps him ensure the smooth running of our shows.

His role involves sourcing and securing the sites/venues for our accessible performances in each of the 74 towns we visit. He manages the logistics of our events and liaises with our team on-site to make sure our shows are ready to welcome our wonderful audience members.

Communications & Engagement Assistant

Ivy Wong-Tebbitts

Ivy is passionate about making the arts accessible to those who many usually miss out! She has a background in the arts and events industry, and also has previous experience in communications. Her role supports the Communication & Engagement Manager and involves handling our online ticket applications.

“I am loving my time here at Circus Starr. Knowing that I can help people access the arts is very rewarding for me, and it’s wonderful to see families making memories at our shows!”

Grants & Trusts Fundraiser

Judith Halle

“Joining Circus Star has been a fabulous introduction to the world of charitable, not for profit organisations, not to mention the spectacular world of circus and live performance! I’m passionate about Circus Starr and what it gives to children on the edge of society, whatever their circumstances”

Joining Circus Starr from the retail arena, Judith’s previous experience has been in selling products and services. She began as a telephone fundraiser and, after two years, Judith has taken on a new challenge as our trusts and grants fundraiser.

Judith explores new and existing funding streams to keep our magical circus on the road, putting smiles on faces and creating memories. For more information about how Trusts and Grants can support our work please contact Judith.Halle@circus-starr.org.uk or telephone 01260 288690.

Fundraising Managers

Kelly Burndred & Kerry Jackson

Kelly and Kerry manage our dedicated fundraising team which is the powerhouse of Circus Starr!

They both started within the organisation as fundraisers themselves and gradually worked their way up to managerial positions. They know how vital it is that we raise donations so that we can continue our valuable work!

If you would like to make a donation to our cause please email donations@circus-starr.org.uk or call 01260 288690.