Roll up for year of circus celebrations

The resort, famous for its Tower Circus, will be included in a year round programme of events in 2018 to mark the 250th anniversary of big top entertainment.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The Blackpool Tower Circus is one of the best known across the world and has made the resort synonymous with this form of family entertainment.

“We look forward to showcasing our contribution to the celebrations during 2018.”

The six Cities of Circus, which also include Bristol, Great Yarmouth, London, Belfast and Newcastle-under-Lyme, will each put on a series of special events next year as their contribution to the anniversary.

In Blackpool, the finishing touches are being put to plans to celebrate with a programme of live entertainment and art exhibitions.

Artist Sir Peter Blake has designed the Circus250 logo so all participating events are instantly recognisable as part of the UK-wide celebrations.

In 1768, in the heart of London, entrepreneur and showman Philip Astley drew out a ring and filled it with astonishing acts – tumblers, horses, acrobats, jugglers and clowns.

Since then, circuses have become an integral part of live entertainment throughout the world – and no more so than in Blackpool where The Blackpool Tower Circus first opened to the public in May 1894 and has not missed a season since.

Dea Birkett, Ringmaster at Circus250, said: “Circus250 celebrates the past but looks to the future. Over the last 250 years, circus – the original pop up – has continually evolved and reinvented itself. Each of our six Cities of Circus demonstrate through their fabulous histories and awe-inspiring current circus, just how enduring and innovative circus is.’