Paulos Circus fears they may not return to Newquay this summer
They have used the same field in the town for 23 years, but now they need to find a new site
Last updated 28th Feb 2023
The Junior Director of a circus says he feels like they are being "pushed out" of Newquay.
Paulos Circus have been using the same field in the town for 23 years, but now they need to find a new venue before the summer.
It is after the land was bought by Persimmon Homes last year, who plan to build new homes there.
In a statement on Facebook, Kenny Darnell Jr - better known as the 'King of Circus' - said: "I was not gonna post anything on here, but wow, the amount of messages and posts I am getting and answering daily are a lot about it.
"So, after 23 years in "The Circus Field" in Newquay we now have to have a new venue and that is seeming harder than thought.
"We are not sure why we cannot use the field we have always been in, even though we have been told no building work will happen on it this year and a venue we have been told is available is a way out of Newquay.
"Newquay is and always has been the shows home town. My daughter and her Mom lives there, at one point so did my brother and his wife.
"We have done ever so much for the town over the years and for all of Cornwall and really now, it's seeming like we are being pushed aside and I am unsure what else to say or how to answer.
"We are on the phone almost every week and still are not getting an answer.
"Good people of Newquay, I need your help, we need your help. We was always told there would be a venue for us in Newquay, for the circus, and now this is seeming not the case.
"It really is disheartening to be making this post to say that I feel like we are being pushed out.
"Soon enough we will have to find another venue somewhere else in Cornwall for the summer as you can imagine all kinds of paperwork and site visits need to be made for a new venue.
"I am really unsure why we cannot attend our normal field when nothing is happening (yet) on it, it boggles my mind.
"Good people of Newquay, I really am sorry, but without some help, it is looking like we will not be able to attend this year with our circus as we have done every summer.
"This really breaks my heart that the town we call home may no longer be."
A petition has been launched to save their summer shows in Newquay. It says: "As many locals will agree Newquay summer celebrations would not be the same without our famous circus!
"The Paulos Circus have given so much to our community not just entertainment but free tickets, bringing holiday makers in generating the town and businesses money, most importantly childhood memories as well as much more.
"Please can everybody spare a few minutes to sign the petition to allow the circus to use the land for 1 more year and give them time to find a new location.
"This summer would not be the same without the circus."
A spokesperson on behalf of Persimmon Homes Cornwall said: "Last year, we purchased the land at Trevithick Manor Farm in Newquay with the aim of delivering 187 much-needed quality new homes for local people.
"We currently have a number of detailed planning applications submitted to the local authority, which if successful, will see us start development later this year. As such, the site will no longer be available for use by the circus.
"As part of the planning process we have engaged extensively with the local community and key stakeholders, and as part of our commitment to the area, we will also transfer 56 new homes to a local housing association partner.
"Our plans would also see us invest £800,000 in the local area for education, healthcare, transport and off-site public open space provision, as we seek to deliver a sustainable and inclusive community.
"We’d be happy to outline our plans to the circus but if our plans are successful, unfortunately they will have to seek a new site as we commence construction of this scheme and the delivery of its numerous benefits for local people in Newquay."