Circus Wonderland is back in business – and Shoreham is first to get the Big Top

This will be the ninth annual visit to Adur Recreation Ground but this year, things will be a bit different to usual.

Paul Carpenter, director, said: “We are now finally reopening but with many new safety measures in place, such as half the seating being removed to allow for social distancing, the sides of the Big Top being lifted for increased ventilation, sanitisation points and in rigorous cleaning before each performance.”

Having had a disastrous year so far, the circus’ main concern is whether people will feel secure enough to roll up for the show.

Mr Carpenter, who appears as Popol the clown, said the troupe had been surviving without any income or government help, and many of the international performers ended up stranded in the UK.

Mr Carpenter said: “We launched our new season in February and were open for only four weeks before the start of the lockdown.

“Some of our performers managed to return home to their own countries but others have been stranded here since March, after the borders were closed, and have been trying to survive without any financial income.”

The circus industry had planned to reopen on July 4, along with restaurants, pubs and bingo halls, but hopes were dashed when it became apparent live performances would still be banned by the government.

Paul and Kriss Freear, who appears as Kakehole the clown, took part in a protest in Westminster, campaigning for circuses to be allowed to reopen in time for their main summer season.

They helped deliver a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to remind him that without it, many circuses would be forced to close permanently.

Once the green light was given, Circus Wonderland arranged to arrive in Shoreham on Monday, July 27, for setting up.

High-flying acrobats, jugglers and clowns promise thrills and spills for all the family, with performances from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2.

The clown duo, twice named Best Circus Comedy Act in the annual circus awards, will be joined by Miss Grace Olivia, who brings glitz and glamour with her hypnotic hula hooping, as well as bungee bouncing acrobats, astounding aerialists and flame throwing jugglers.

Mr Carpenter said: “We have fought so hard to reopen but now the safety of our audience and performers is our main priority.

“We understand that some people may have questions or concerns about the safety implications of visiting the circus but we also believe that the public have been starved of entertainment for the last four months, and we are ready to put the smiles back on their faces.”

Tickets are priced from £7. Visit www.circuswonderland.co.uk or contact the box office on 07531 612240 for more information.

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