 |
| Martin 'Zippo' Burton addresses Britain's largest gathering of circus bosses, with Clive Webb of Cirque du Hilarious in front row. |
What is the collective noun for circus directors? How about a glittering of showmen?
The above picture (kindly supplied by Paulos Circus) is from last month's Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain meeting, which saw what has been claimed to be the largest gathering of big top owners ever assembled in the UK, and perhaps the world.
The attendance at the Leonardo Hotel in Hinckley Island, Leicestershire, included both ACP members and non-members, friends and rivals.
They came together as part of an effort by the industry to have circus made part of the government's Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory and recognised as a cultural tradition worthy of safeguarding.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage convention was established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2003 to preserve living traditions around the globe in areas such as performing arts, social practices, and traditional craftsmanship that are passed down through generations.
The UK signed up to the convention in 2024, and the ACP believes ICH status "Will put circus on a par with other art forms – a situation that exists in most of continental Europe."
"It will also provide Circus with a right to be consulted as an equal partner and stakeholder when government policy for the Arts and other associated matters is under consideration," the ACP states.
So far, more than 10,000 people have signed a government petition, which surpassed the threshold where the government has to consider the application.
You can sign the petition by clicking here.
In theory, ICH status could enhance the standing of circuses when approaching local authorities to book showgrounds or apply for funding. However, it was apparent from Facebook discussions after the event that some show runners remain unclear what the benefits will be.
Kenny Darnell Jr of Paulos Circus was at the meeting, and has kindly given us his insider's view of the proceedings:
“My position on the proposed ICH status still remains somewhat reserved. Although I support it in principle, I do not yet feel sufficiently informed to form a definitive view on it, I'm afraid. I am aware that Ireland has already secured ICH recognition for circus, yet it appears to have brought about little tangible change in practice or protection there. That in itself invites further scrutiny as to what meaningful impact such status would deliver here.
“Although it was said that around 50 individuals were in attendance, I would estimate the number to have been closer to 40, looking back on my photos from the meeting. It's also worth saying that not all present were circus proprietors. Even in my own case, I attended as a manager, representing my Father & our family’s circus, rather than in the capacity of proprietor. There was still a sense of separation between the ACP members & non ACP members, even with the narrative of we should be working together towards a common goal.
“The meeting itself offered very limited clarity. It lacked the depth & detail one might have expected for a matter of such cultural significance, even the anticipated contribution from the DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) did not happen, as their representative failed to appear via video link, which rather undermined the gravity of the discussion, or answered all the questions being raised.
“That being said, the conversation surrounding the preservation & recognition of circus as a living tradition is an important one. Our industry has endured, adapted & evolved for generations. Whatever course is taken, it must genuinely serve & safeguard the future of the circus in all its forms. Circus has been around for generations before us, & all in the room want to work to ensure its survival for generations to come.
“Long live the circus”
Kenny Darnell Jr's family has been in the circus business for seven generations and traded under the Paulo’s brand for more than 120 years. Click here to visit the Paulo's Facebook page.
