Years of a clown

Manchester circus memories revisited recalls the circus

FOR more than a century Belle Vue Circus was at the heart of entertainment in the north west.

Amazing photos and old images uncovered by the M.E.N. archives team track the long and exciting history of the circus from its small Victorian beginnings to its final and unfortunate end in 1985.

Operating at the famous Belle Vue Zoological gardens, the circus would become an internationally-recognised yearly event.

The zoo itself was the brainchild of the famous Jennison family, which opened in 1836 and hosted other zoos and performances troupes during the 19th century before establishing its own circus.

The inaugural Belle Vue Circus event was hosted in 1922 at the Kings Hall venue, an arena that would serve as the circus’s home for nearly 60 years.

Sadly the first event was considered something of a failure and the Belle Vue Circus would not return until 1929.

It was then that the zoological gardens struck a deal with Blackpool Tower Company to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall.

As part of their deal with Blackpool Tower, Belle Vue were able to appoint ringmaster George Lockhart – a man whose exploits became synonymous with the circus.

Known as ‘the prince of ringmasters,’ Lockhart fast became the face of the Belle Vue Circus advertising campaign, with his face, often accompanied by a fat cigar, appearing on many of their posters.

Lockhart served as ringmaster for 41 years, retiring in 1970 at the age of 90.

In that time Lockhart oversaw the circus’s golden years when it became one of the most popular Christmas events in the country.

Lockhart’s replacement, Danishborn

Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster.

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall came in 1981 before the building was sold and then demolished in 1982.

Although the circus would limp on at various alternative venues it came to a permanent close in 1985.

highs and lows of Belle Vue’s much-loved

Gilbert Honch and his majestic tigers at Belle Vue circus in January 1947. Below: an original programme from the 1950s

Carlos the Clown shows daughters Carol, four, and Grace, two, the tricks of the trade at Belle Vue in 1969

Harry Belli’s horseriding Bengal tiger Timmy performs his act, on Sam the carthorse, in 1969

Jacko the Clown faces up to the heartbreaking news in 1981 that Belle Vue Circus, where he had entertained for 30 years, was to close Toby the Dancing Chimp performs at Belle Vue in 1960. Left: the ring is prepared for the last show in the 1980s