Honoring a Family Legacy at the Big Top Label 2025
On October 14, 2025, the Big Top Label Awards returned to the European Parliament in Brussels, celebrating excellence and innovation in performance art. Among the highlights of the evening was Carol Briggs Gandey, who paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband Philip Gandey, acknowledging his creativity, dedication, and early passing.
The award also recognized the Gandey family’s enduring contribution to European performance arts. For Carol, this moment was both a personal milestone and a celebration of the family legacy that has inspired countless performers and audiences alike.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful,” Carol shared. “It reflects the work and passion of Philip, our family, and everyone who has helped carry forward the spirit of performance art with dedication and heart.”
Gandey’s Role in Europe’s Cultural Heritage
Georg Häusler, Deputy Director-General for Culture, Creativity, and Sport at the EU Commission, spoke at the ceremony about the importance of family-led contributions to the arts.
“Through generations, families like the Gandeys have been at the heart of Europe’s cultural heritage,” Häusler said. “They have brought art, laughter, and creativity to communities across the continent, embodying the unity and diversity that define European culture.”
The Big Top Label honors this kind of legacy — celebrating high standards, innovation, and resilience in live performance while acknowledging those who have shaped the landscape of European arts over decades.
A Year of Recognition and Tribute
The 2025 ceremony was particularly emotional, as it highlighted both personal stories and professional excellence. Alongside the Gandeys, other families and performers were acknowledged, but for many, the Gandey tribute stood out as a poignant reminder of love, memory, and artistry intertwined.
“Being recognized at a European level validates a lifetime of dedication,” Carol said. “It is an encouragement to keep passing on the knowledge, passion, and creativity that Philip and our family have devoted ourselves to.”
Continuing the Gandey Tradition
The Gandeys’ influence extends beyond awards. From educational initiatives to mentorship in performing arts schools, their work has nurtured the next generation of talent. This year, Carol Gandey has been actively involved in workshops and projects that highlight innovation, creativity, and the preservation of family-led artistic traditions.
Through the European Circus Association, the Gandey family remains a central figure in shaping conversations about performance arts, ensuring that both legacy and innovation continue to thrive.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 draws to a close, the Gandeys’ story is far from finished. Upcoming events, including the 48th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, provide further opportunities to celebrate artistry and family legacies in European performance culture.
“Our family’s journey is about more than awards,” Carol reflected. “It’s about inspiring others, sharing joy, and keeping a tradition alive for future generations of performers.”
The Gandeys’ dedication and impact remind us why family legacies matter in the arts — blending history, creativity, and heart to shape Europe’s cultural landscape.
