Billy Smarts' Circus in Lincoln cancelled
Billy Smart's Circus due to take place on Lincoln's South Common has been cancelled.
The circus was set to open on Monday, February 18, and run until Sunday, February 24, as part of a 2013 tour.
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Billy Smart's Circus has cancelled its appearance on Lincoln's South Common
Organisers say that they needed to arrive the weekend prior to opening in order to set up its big top, train new staff, welcome international acts and start rehearsals.
However, the City of Lincoln Council is said to only have allowed the circus to arrive as early as Thursday, February 15.
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Valid until: Saturday, June 29 2013
A statement from Billy Smart's Circus said: "We needed to arrive the previous weekend to have ample time for rehearsals and the arrival of arists and staff from all over the world.
"The council officials refused permission for the circus to arrive until the Thursday, which is inadequate time for this, the cream of European circuses, to erect its huge big top and equipment, train new staff and welcome international acts, let alone rehearse and produce a show worthy of the great Billy Smart name."
The cancellation means that a gala charity performance on the opening day, raising money for St Barnabas Hospice, has also been cancelled.
8 Comments
by AndrewLewis71
Monday, January 21 2013, 9:30PM
“Having been alerted to the fact that NWC were presenting Billy Smarts Circus on tour in 2013 for the first time in about four years, i looked at the website and thought, what a great show!
It will still be a great show, just a pity that the City Council won't have it on South Common.
Personally, i don't think its unreasonable to allow the circus a week to train staff and rehearse on the Common! What harm would it do? Is there other events taking place on the Common which prevent the Circus being there? Doubt it! So come on LCC let the circus come to town and brighten up everyones lives for a couple of weeks.
Guess they could always go to the County Showground! Then LCC loses several thousands of pounds in lost revenue and for what reason!”
by Phil1W
Monday, January 21 2013, 5:43PM
“Lincoln City Council? Well, what else canyou expect?”
by Chas24
Monday, January 21 2013, 4:39PM
“I wonder if council officials would be refused admission to St Barnabas Hospice ?.”
by Abbey House Clearance
Monday, January 21 2013, 4:36PM
“another council mess up one in december christmas market this month circus whats next months double business rates lol”
by Bolshie
Monday, January 21 2013, 4:16PM
“I expect the weather's a little too challenging for councils to drag themselves to work for the next few days so by the time they've unfrozen the excuses database and decided who the scapegoat should be it will be too late anyway.”
by RButcher__LE
Monday, January 21 2013, 3:35PM
“The Echo is currently awaiting a statement from the City of Lincoln Council.”
by Localperson55
Monday, January 21 2013, 3:31PM
“Will The Echo be asking the Council for their reasons/side of the story?”
by Steve_Lincoln
Monday, January 21 2013, 3:17PM
“That's about right for the City of Lincoln Council, they hate to see anyone enjoying themselves.”