Circus stranded in Morecambe to put on free shows to thank everyone who helped during Covid-19 lockdown

The circus stranded in Morecambe since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown is paying back the kindness of the town's residents with a series of free shows.
Big Kid Cirucs is getting back on the road at last. Photo: Big Kid CircusBig Kid Cirucs is getting back on the road at last. Photo: Big Kid Circus
Big Kid Cirucs is getting back on the road at last. Photo: Big Kid Circus

Big Kid Circus will perform three times a day next week to say 'thank you' for the help and support they have been given over the last four months.

The artists were recently forced to set up their own crowdfunding page to help them survive.

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They admitted they had "literally got nothing" and had been struggling to survive from day to day.

The circus usually travels across the UK and south east Asia, but has been on Morecambe prom since March after the government's coronavirus lockdown restrictions meant they were unable to perform.

However, last Thursday's government announcement about socially-distanced, live outdoor performances means the artists can now get back to work.

They will be setting off for Workington to put on performaces at the end of July.

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But first, they will be saying a big 'thank you' to the people of Morecambe with free shows next week.

Between Wednesday July 22 and Saturday July 25, the artists will perform three shows a day, at 1pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm, and then two shows, at 1pm and 3.30pm, on Sunday July 26.

Seats must be booked in advance online hereMasks must be worn at the shows.

Announcing the shows, they said: "Thank you Morecambe for all the support and kindness towards us, you helped us survive all this time and now it is our turn to give back something."

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In April we reported how tough life had become for the group - aged between two and 92 - since lockdown was enforced.

They didn't even get to put on a show for the resort, as the coronavirus restrictions were brought in just days after they arrived in town.

The artists have not been eligible for any government support as they are not EU or UK citizens.

And despite paying tax, they are not eligible for any help as they don't have a property that they pay rent on.

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They were allowed to stay in Morecambe by Lancaster City Council, who also provided them with electricity, running water and refuse collections.

They have also been supported by Morecambe Bay Foodbank.