Celebrating 250 years of big top fun

Blackpool celebrated all things circus on Thursday with a parade along the Prom. And tonight there will be a special performance to celebrate the art form’s unique anniversary at Blackpool Tower Circus. The resort is one of six UK ‘Cities of Circus’ this year, marking the 250th anniversary of the world’s first circus opening its doors. A 250-strong parade of schoolchildren, floats, street performers and acts from the Blackpool Tower Circus took to the Prom. The circus cavalcade started at noon and wound its way up the seafront from Central Pier to the Comedy Carpet. People taking part donned Mooky the Clown masks to enjoy the fun in the shadow of the Tower. The event was one of a series being staged this month as part of national Circus 250 celebrations. The activities kicked off with a talk on the long and illustrious history of the Blackpool Tower Circus by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, historical advisor to Circus 250 and chairman in Early Film and Popular Entertainment at the University of Sheffield. The Blackpool Tower Circus first opened its doors in 1894, and over the years it has welcomed some of the most remarkable and exciting acts in the world. Since 1992, it has been managed by the renowned Endresz family. Kenny Mew, general manager of the Blackpool Tower, said: “We’re very proud to have been named one of the UK’s Cities of Circus for 2018, and also of our wonderful performers who put on a fantastic show for visitors of all ages. “These events celebrate both the Blackpool Tower Circus, whose history of spectacular showmanship stretches back over 120 years, and of the unique circus art-form itself. “We welcome everyone to help us wish circus a very happy 250th birthday – and raise money for a great charitable cause in to the bargain.” Tonight Blackpool Tower Circus will hold a special performance to raise funds for Blackpool Carers’ Centre. The fun starts at 7.30pm and will form the centrepiece of the 250th anniversary celebrations. Blackpool Carers Centre support unpaid carers from the age of five who provide care to a family member due to illness or disability. They work with the whole family to ensure that children are supported.