Performers are not clowning around

Culture spokesman Julie Kirkbride will be joined by a number of circus performers.

She wants a change of heart on the part of the government over a bill that will force circuses to obtain a licence for each venue.

She says the Licensing Act could spell the end for many circuses.

Ms Kirkbride, and performers from Zippos Circus, will be mounting a lobby of Parliament over the issue.

They say the administrative burden coupled with the cost of up to �1,000 per location, will cripple most circuses.

The Act responsible gained Royal Assent last year but Ms Kirkbride said there are "outstanding problems" with the piece of legislation.

She argues that not only would it impact on circuses but on Punch and Judy shows.