Big Top bugles banned!

Sep 25 2008

A circus coming to Cannock has hit the national headlines after clowns were BANNED from blowing their bugles in the Big Top.

World-renowned Zippos Circus, which has just completed a successful stint in Birmingham, was hit with a hammer blow from the city Council's licensing department during their last night.

Three clowns were banned from blowing their horns during the performance, on the grounds that they were playing 'live music' without a license.

The circus, due at Longford between October 9 and October 14, was warned by officials at Birmingham City Council that unless it complied with the regulations, it would be shut down.

Shocked circus proprietor Martin Burton said that although he's a fan of silent comedy, the Council's move is a nonsense.

"Live music is an essential part of traditional clowning," he said.

"And for us to be told that our clowns can't play their instruments - even in the three minutes of the show that features trumpets - is just laughable.

"It's just a quick blast of trumpets at the start, then three notes from the exploding tuba - pa-papa bang!

"There was even some discussion about whether or not skipping on a tightrope was dancing.

"Tightrope walking is not regulated as entertainment that requires a licence, dancing is.

"Normally we would have stood our ground, but we only had half an hour (before the show).

"I agreed to cut the music. It was ludicrous."

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said this week: "Under the Licensing Act 2003, elements of the programme proposed by Zippos would fall into the category of regulated entertainment.

"On that basis, such events would require either a licence under the Licensing Act 2003, or a Temporary Event Notice under the same legislation. Birmingham City Council do not condone unlicensed events.

"The council is committed to working with Zippos Circus on safe entertainment procedures to ensure that the spirit of the law is followed."

The circus is scheduled to arrive in town on Thursday October 9, and stay until Tuesday, October 14.

Whether or not the clowns will have something to blow their own trumpet about in Cannock remains to be seen...