Dunfermline:

Dunfermline: Flooding so bad that swans have taken over the site

Circus not coming to town due to waterlogged park.

A world-famous circus will not be visiting Fife after a “torrential downpour” left a local park completely waterlogged.

The Chinese State Circus was forced to call off its 12 Dunfermline shows after arriving at Duloch Park to discover a family of swans swimming through the site they were due to pitch up on.

The group’s Dynasty show had been due to run from Tuesday August 15 to Sunday August 20 as part of a summer tour which brought performances to Dundee and Perth in recent weeks.

Two shows were due to run every day during the six-day run.

Heavy rain in the past week means Duloch Park would be too unsafe for shows to go ahead.

The circus had attempted to secure an alternative site with Fife Council, however nowhere could be found.

Instead the circus extended its stay in Stirling from yesterday until next Tuesday.

People who have already bought tickets for the Dunfermline show can use them in Stirling or seek a refund.

A statement from the Chinese State Circus said: “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances with the ground, we will be cancelling our Dunfermline show.

“The ground we had booked has become waterlogged to the point where ducks are swimming on it.

“It will not be possible or safe for us to set up the show under the circumstances. We have tried our best to secure a replacement ground in Dunfermline, but this has been unsuccessful given the short notice.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this has caused.

“We have extended our Stirling show from today to Tuesday August 15. If you have won a competition for Dunfermline tickets, or if you have already purchased Dunfermline tickets, we would be delighted to honour these at the Stirling show.

“If you have purchased tickets and are not able to attend in Stirling, please contact your ticket provider for a refund.”

Richard Smith, team leader in of Fife Council’s biodiversity and natural heritage team, said: “Unfortunately, due to the torrential rain we’ve had over the past few weeks the ground isn’t in a suitable condition.

“We did try and find an alternative site for the Chinese State Circus to use. However, this hasn’t been possible in the timescale.”

The Chinese State Circus is happy to honour tickets at its Stirling show or provide a refund.

Swans have taken up residence at the circus’s site after torrential rain.