THE Big Top was coming to Worcester at this time 50 years ago, creating much excitement among local youngsters.
The Journal announced in 1951 that "the world famous Bertram Mills' Circus" would be in town the following week with its giant tented arena set up in the field at the corner of New Road and Bromwich Road.
The comic star of Bertram Mills' Circus then was Worcester man, Percy Huxter, the renowned white-faced clown.
Today, this particular circus would not be welcome in Worcester because, for some years now, the city council has banned shows with performing animals.
The Journal announced in 1951: "Many new acts have been incorporated into Bertram Mills' since the circus last came to Worcester. The Cumberlands appear in a bareback-riding act, and the new Liberty act has pure-bred Arab horses. The Six Fearless Strausses will thrill thousands with their feats on the flying trapeze, and the elephants appear in an Elephant Ballet. The lions will, of course, be there, also Stephenson's Dogs which play football and walk the tight-rope.
"There are 2,500 unreserved seats at each performance, and admission is from 2/6d to 12/6d." (that's 12p and 60p in today's money).
Worcester's Percy Huxter, comic star of Bertram Mills' Circus, who was billed as "the Prince of white-faced clowns", and the Bertram Mills' Circus advertisement from Berrow's Journal in 1951.
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