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Family of clown-loving boy follow circus across UK

News imageCharles A man and two young children sit with three performers from the circus. One performer, dressed as a clown has a red nose, a red hat and is wearing a blue waistcoat. Another performer is wearing a red costume with a white face paint while a third performer is dressed as the ringmaster in a red suit, black shirt and a black hat with gold detailing.Charles
Joe and his family spent the year travelling up and down the country following a circus

The family of a clown-loving seven-year-old have spent the last year following a circus across the UK, attending more than 50 performances.

Joe, who lives in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and attends school in Pershore, Worcestershire, has autism and ADHD.

His dad, Charles, said Joe became infatuated by a specific clown by the name of GaGa at Uncle Sam's American Circus, during a show in Cheltenham.

"What really stood out was how different he was there - normally he struggles to sit still or stay engaged, but at the circus he was calm, focused and completely absorbed," he said.

Charles continued: "When GaGa the clown finally appeared, that moment stayed with him, and from then on, that became his idea of what a clown should be.

"When we later visited another circus, he became upset because, to him, it wasn't the same.

"Shortly after, we returned to Uncle Sam's American Circus when they were performing in Cheltenham for 10 days, and we ended up attending seven of those shows."

News imageCharles A young boy with Spiderman face paint poses next to a clown with a red nose and a red hat. They stand together with the thumbs up at the camera. Charles
Joe became infatuated by a clown by the name of GaGa

When the circus eventually moved on, Charles said his son was "very upset" and in that moment he "made the decision to travel to see it again".

"That led to us following the circus across the UK," he explained. "Over the past 12 months, we have attended more than 50 shows, travelling thousands of miles and visiting every UK location they have performed at, often attending back-to-back performances on the same day."

On their travels the family have journeyed as far as Rhyl, camping in the Welsh fishing village for a whole week.

News imageCharles The family are pictured in a large metal ball with performers wearing motorbike clothing. One member of the circus is sat on a dirt bike. Charles
The family have travelled as far as Rhyll to see the circus

Charles said he was most impressed by the performers' welcoming attitude to the whole family.

He said: "What stands out most is the connection he has built.

"Due to his condition, Joe does not usually seek physical contact, but he now runs straight to the ringmaster and GaGa the clown to greet them with a hug before each show.

"The performers know him, and they have embraced him in a way that has had a profound impact.

"The circus has also shown genuine kindness to our family, including thoughtful gestures towards both of my twin sons, ensuring they were both included."

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