Freshers’ Week is more than just form-filling, fairs, finding digs and new friends. It’s also about making that big first impression. Area 51 helps leading universities give new and returning students a warm welcome – and a night to remember. We can help you plan and theme your Freshers’ Ball with dazzling décor and exciting entertainment to make your campus stand out from the rest.
Area 51 was the brainchild of ambitious arts students, who wanted to take events to a new level. That culture is still at its heart today. Driven to be different, daring and visionary, your new students will find an accord with our vision. Now, after years of event experience and décor creation, Area 51’s expertise can take the worry out of event planning and assure you of the success you seek.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS
Speak easy
The cabaret evokes the era of F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby, with its themes of decadence, idealism and excess in the Roaring Twenties - or can be easily adapted to a Peaky Blinders theme. Lots of choreographed dance and of course thoroughly show-stopping circus performance!
Harley Quinns
And here you have the Harley Quinns. Area 51 dancers cast their runes, donned shields and swords and rampages across Wales and the North of England to help make two rock events the best this side of Valhalla! The girls performed a choreographed dance routine with a fire display with a theme centred around “Suicide Squad” and Harley Quinn.
iGlobot
Area 51’s incredible iGlobot is the world’s leading high-tech, LED robot performer: an elite and in-demand character creation that’s available as a solo character or a complete choreographed stage show together with a team of iGlogirls.
Greatest Showman
Area 51’s legendary legion of circus have joined forces to stage a summer tribute to the “Greatest Showman” P.T Barnum to huge acclaim. The idea was to create something entirely new that evoked the verve and panache of the Hollywood movie together with the realism of Barnum’s embryonic creation of “show business” as we know it today.
Alice in Wonderland
The brand-new Alice in Wonderland circus proved a staggering success for the Area 51 team as it was born under the lights in front of more than 10,000 party-hungry punters. The 51 design team came up with an eye catching series of props and installations which
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CASE STUDIES
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
GALLERY Views 53 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.8/1/160s/ISO 160 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 40 Likes 0 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 36 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM 16mm/ƒ/2.8/1/160s/ISO 500 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 34 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM 16mm/ƒ/2.8/1/200s/ISO 1000 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 24 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.6/1/250s/ISO 1250 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 41 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.6/1/320s/ISO 640 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 27 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM 35mm/ƒ/2.8/1/200s/ISO 100 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 30 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF85mm f/1.8 USM 85mm/ƒ/1.8/1/200s/ISO 250 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 39 Likes 0 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 39 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM 70mm/ƒ/3.2/1/80s/ISO 3200 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 31 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.6/1/250s/ISO 640 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 30 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM 78mm/ƒ/2.8/1/250s/ISO 5000 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 20 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.8/1/100s/ISO 5000 Taken 23rd June 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 31 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM 90mm/ƒ/2.8/1/250s/ISO 5000 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 28 Likes 0 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 38 Likes 0 Canon EOS 5D Mark III 30mm 30mm/ƒ/1.4/1/160s/ISO 2500 Taken 20th July 2018 Uploaded 24th August 2018 •••2
GREATEST FRESHERS BALL!
Uni students arriving for their freshers’ ball were treated to a stunning reception and left wowed as some of the best circus performers around greeted them in style! Acrobats, dancers, magicians, aerial daredevils, stilt-walkers, clowns, jugglers, contortionists and fire performers surprised students at Southampton with a jaw-dropping display of dexterity and hilarity as Area 51
ALICE IN WONDERLAND AT RICOH
Coventry became a town called Alice at Christmas as Area 51 unveiled its new stunning circus show at the Ricoh Arena where thousands of revellers plunged down the rabbit hole into a magical world of fantasy. The brand-new Alice In Wonderland circus proved a staggering success for the Area 51 team as it was born under the lights.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Jabberwock beware! Area 51’s collection of Lewis Carroll themed costumes has the whole world smiling like a Cheshire cat! Proving popular at events across the globe, the 51 characters have been helping send thousands of revellers down the rabbit hole. With characters that include Alice herself and all her friends, with special performances as far afield as the Maldives – they even have their own exclusive Circus – “Lost in Wonderland” – and a full package of décor to accompany. Characters available: Mad Hatter Alice White rabbit March Hare Queen of Hearts Playing Card henchmen Cheshire Cat GALLERY Views 14 Likes 0 NIKON D90 18mm/ƒ/10.0/10/1250s/ISO 200 Taken 7th June 2008 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 21 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 NIKON D90 52mm/ƒ/10.0/10/1000s/ISO 200 Taken 7th June 2008 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 5 Likes 0 Canon EOS 60D 17-70mm 37mm/ƒ/3.5/1/350s/ISO 3200 Taken 20th March 2015 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Canon EOS 60D 17-70mm 37mm/ƒ/3.5/1/250s/ISO 3200 Taken 20th March 2015 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 23 Likes 0 NIKON D90 28mm/ƒ/16.0/10/2000s/ISO 3200 Taken 3rd May 2009 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 13 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Canon EOS 60D 17-70mm 31mm/ƒ/3.5/1/350s/ISO 3200 Taken 20th March 2015 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 NIKON D90 18mm/ƒ/10.0/10/1000s/ISO 200 Taken 7th June 2008 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 2 Likes 0 NIKON D90 48mm/ƒ/9.0/10/1250s/ISO 200 Taken 7th June 2008 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 NIKON D90 22mm/ƒ/10.0/10/1250s/ISO 200 Taken 7th June 2008 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 NIKON D90 70mm/ƒ/6.3/10/800s/ISO 3200 Taken 5th December 2012 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 •••2 RELATED POSTS
TWISTD FIRESTARTERS
What happens if you bring together the UK’s largest indoor winter music festival at one of the nation’s best loved holiday resorts with the warped wit and wisdom of Area 51?
SPEAKEASY
This cabaret evokes the era of F Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby, with its themes of decadence, idealism and excess in the Roaring Twenties – or can be easily adapted to a Peaky Blinders theme. Lots of choreographed dance and of course thoroughly show-stopping circus performance! Meet and greet entertainment options include feathered showgirls, gangsters, the paparazzi – or perhaps even body-painted performers meeting and greeting your guests? An adaptable format able to contain an array of artistes, it is guaranteed to add a touch of class to corporate events and private parties. GALLERY Views 5 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF17-40mm f/4L USM 40mm/ƒ/4.0/1/250s/ISO 12800 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 1 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/100s/ISO 1250 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF17-40mm f/4L USM 30mm/ƒ/4.0/1/60s/ISO 1600 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 100mm/ƒ/3.2/1/250s/ISO 640 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 5 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF50mm f/1.4 USM 50mm/ƒ/2.2/1/250s/ISO 12800 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 70mm/ƒ/3.2/1/160s/ISO 6400 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 105mm/ƒ/3.2/1/250s/ISO 160 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF50mm f/1.4 USM 50mm/ƒ/1.6/1/100s/ISO 400 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF17-40mm f/4L USM 39mm/ƒ/4.0/1/60s/ISO 1600 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 4 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 140mm/ƒ/2.8/1/30s/ISO 12800 Taken 10th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 4 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF50mm f/1.4 USM 50mm/ƒ/4.5/1/160s/ISO 10000 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 4 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 125mm/ƒ/3.5/1/320s/ISO 400 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF50mm f/1.4 USM 50mm/ƒ/5.6/1/180s/ISO 6400 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 5 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM 130mm/ƒ/3.2/1/320s/ISO 1600 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 3 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D 15mm 15mm/ƒ/2.8/1/320s/ISO 12800 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 Views 3 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF50mm f/1.4 USM 50mm/ƒ/5.6/1/320s/ISO 800 Taken 17th December 2016 Uploaded 24th August 2018 •••2
RIO INFERNO – CARNIVAL OF FIRE!
Area 51 unveiled a stunning new show at the Ricoh Arena, bringing a vibrant explosion of colour, hedonism and the pulsating samba beat of Rio to life. A frenetic fusillade of Brazilian festivity, “Rio Inferno” is the latest creation from Area 51
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AT BESTIVAL
Area 51’s largest ever crew set sail for a new summer of love as they partied hard at the award-winning Bestival on the Isle of Wight. Four days and four nights of ship-shape revelry rocked the enormously popular bash at the Robin Hill Country Park which was subsequently hailed as “Best Major Festival” at the 2015 UK Festival Awards.
TIKI
TIKI A now globally recognised tribal troupe, Tiki quickly became our most in-demand costumes ever and is growing in esteem every day. Real genre-spanning creations, they blend post-apocalyptic, Polynesian and Steampunk into a unique and distinctive style. Entertainment options are almost infinite for these characters – it’s been such a success that it’s even had its own Circus created – TIKI - which ran for 8 weeks in Hyde Park, and has appeared as far away as Atlantis Hotel Dubai. Area 51’s bouncy-stilt duo is a popular specialist act in the collection and their routine really has to be seen to be believed. Fire spinning acts are - of course - almost mandatory, but easily replaced by Glow spinning acts, so all venues may benefit. To fully enjoy these characters, a make-up artist is recommended. GALLERY Views 8 Likes 0 Canon EOS-1D X EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/125s/ISO 1000 Taken 24th May 2014 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Canon EOS-1D X EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/125s/ISO 1600 Taken 23rd May 2014 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 NIKON D700 16mm/ƒ/5.6/1/125s/ISO 320 Taken 31st August 2013 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 NIKON D700 16mm/ƒ/20.0/1/250s/ISO 1000 Taken 6th September 2013 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Canon EOS-1D X EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/80s/ISO 1000 Taken 23rd May 2014 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/5.0/1/200s/ISO 100 Taken 5th September 2014 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 NIKON D700 16mm/ƒ/3.2/1/80s/ISO 2000 Taken 8th September 2013 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 3 Likes 0 Canon EOS 6D 15mm 15mm/ƒ/5.0/1/800s/ISO 100 Taken 9th June 2017 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 4 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 6 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 4 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 •••2 RELATED POSTS
IGLOGIRLS
IGLOGIRLS These red-hot robotniks are living proof that the future is now! The female counterpart to the infamous iGlobot, these girls are no less impressive than their master when booked in numbers. Colour changing LED systems are synced together for a brilliantly futuristic effect and a number of high octane dance routines are at your disposal, amongst other skilled performances such as CO2 and poi. On stilts or on foot. Say hello to the robot’s robo-babes! GALLERY Views 23 Likes 0 NIKON D90 10mm/ƒ/4.0/10/400s/ISO 1600 Taken 8th March 2011 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 13 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 15 Likes 0 NIKON D700 16.0 mm f/2.8 16mm/ƒ/3.5/1/50s/ISO 640 Taken 16th November 2013 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 22 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 18 Likes 0 NIKON D700 28mm/ƒ/4.5/1/60s/ISO 1000 Taken 1st March 2013 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 17 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 0 NIKON D700 16.0 mm f/2.8 16mm/ƒ/3.5/1/50s/ISO 640 Taken 16th November 2013 Uploaded 13th August 2018 RELATED POSTS
GLOBOT
GLOBOT Ultra-vivid giant robots tripping the light fantastic, Area 51's gleaming Globots have illuminated global clubland and set the standard others have yet to get near. With remotely-controlled and colour changing LED lights - DOUBLE the amount you'll find on any other costume - each Globot also comes complete with a full set of integrated CO2 cannons and twin pyrotechnic guns set to stun! They can also appear in conjunction with Area 51's glamorous Glogirls in their full Britain’s Got Talent style stage show. GALLERY Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Canon EOS 500D 18mm/ƒ/3.5/1/60s/ISO 1600 Taken 27th November 2011 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Canon EOS-1D X EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/50s/ISO 2500 Taken 25th May 2014 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 15 Likes 0 NIKON D700 28mm/ƒ/6.3/1/100s/ISO 1600 Taken 1st March 2013 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 13 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 19 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 5 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 17 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 15 Likes 0 NIKON D300 18mm/ƒ/4.0/10/300s/ISO 800 Taken 21st October 2009 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 10 Likes 0 Canon EOS-1D X EF17-40mm f/4L USM 17mm/ƒ/4.0/1/50s/ISO 2500 Taken 25th May 2014 Uploaded 13th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 0 Uploaded 13th August 2018 •••2 RELATED POSTS
DUCKS
DUCKS Waddle catch the eye and fit the bill for any event that needs something special? In one foul swoop this eye-catching gaggle can provide an ‘inducktion’ into beak-performance art! This fluffy flock can rival Donald, Daffy, Huey, Dewey and Louie, Daphne, Daisy, Count Duckula, Scrooge and Orville and keep their feathers well-oiled for a variety of uses. There are a number of ducks available and they’re perfect for avant garde walkabouts, flash mob PR stunts (they can turn up anywhere and hassle people for bread or, if you prefer, just simply go quackers) and can also do bizarre stage dance routines. For club stage shows the ducks can even launch giant “golden egg” balloons into the audience for “egg-stra” fun factor (sorry!). GALLERY Views 19 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 15 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 13 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 14 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 12 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 RELATED POSTS
RICOH CHRISTMAS CIRCUS
AREA 51 brought all the fun of the fair to a famous stadium venue by staging a brilliant Christmas circus inside it! Complete with stunning décor and props, the event at the Ricoh Arena on the outskirts of Coventry
GENTLEMEN CHIMPS
GENTLEMEN CHIMPS Captured in the wild some years ago, these provoking primates have been trained to act human, although it doesn't always quite work out as it did during their cultivation process! These champion chimps are often seen scurrying around venues, sniffing out anything interesting, picking fleas off people and scratching themselves in inappropriate places. They are a very comical and interactive act and work brilliantly as meet and greet, walkabout, or even angle grinding! If you book a few of them they can even have a tea party. If you want to up the ante’ certain members of the troupe can be booked as a World class acrobatic act – and this often finds its way into our larger Circus performances. GALLERY Views 18 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 21 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 14 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 22 Likes 0 NIKON D90 62mm/ƒ/5.0/10/1000s/ISO 1600 Taken 19th November 2010 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 14 Likes 1 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 14 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 16 Likes 1 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 8 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 9 Likes 0 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 7 Likes 0 NIKON D90 18mm/ƒ/18.0/10/2000s/ISO 3200 Taken 3rd May 2009 Uploaded 18th August 2018 Views 14 Likes 0 NIKON D90 18mm/ƒ/18.0/10/2000s/ISO 3200 Taken 3rd May 2009 Uploaded 18th August 2018 RELATED POSTS
ROBOTS INVADE HYDE PARK
The future came to London’s Hyde Park when Area 51 teamed up with Cirque Beserk to unleash Mechanika, a surreal cyborg spectacular that stunned A-list celebs like David “The Hoff” Hasselhoff and thousands of astonished members of the public.
BLESSED ARE THE GEEKS AT SCIFI
Legendary actor Brian Blessed and Area 51 teamed up to create a sci-fi supernova at one of Europe’s biggest and best events for followers of all things fantasy and futurist! The seventh annual Sci Fi Weekender was hailed as the best yet after a galaxy of stars and performers shone to stun the audience after teleporting into North Wales.
FORMULA 1 BOBBLEHEADS
Caption / alt text: Racing ahead – Area 51 sculptured 3D caricature heads for Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Riccardo and Valtteri Bottas. In the vast crowded venues of F1, create a range of eye-catching, identifiable caricatures who will stand out and be greeted rapturously wherever the F1 races are held
HOLY EASTER BATMAN!
A corner of paradise became a comic book multi-verse as a multitude of superheroes sprang into life and helped transport holidaymakers into a world of fantasy and adventure.
SPACE-TACULAR SCENES AT SCIFI WEEKENDER
It’s a Sci-Fi Convention Jim, but not as we know it! 51 load up the vans and boldly go – to West Wales… We embarked on 2 incredible days packed full of Sci-Fi themed walkabout and truly massive stage-shows
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
The most characteristic room of the night: acrobats and magicians owned The Cube whilst smoke machines contributed towards an atmosphere of mystical awe. This hypnagogic hubbub of truly Showman-esque pandemonium would have been well placed in P.T. Barnum’s Museum of Curiosities, though this festival of sights and sounds felt very much alive. Unmissable. A stunning spectacle worthy of welcoming Southampton’s newest students.
Ben Dolbear, The Edge, University of Southampton’s entertainment magazine
REQUEST A QUOTE
Click the button below to fill out a quick questionnaire in order for us to understand your requirements and vision. A member of the Area51 team will be in touch to discuss your event further with you.
