Football pitches at Kernan in Portadown could be closed for a week in May if ABC Council agrees to a request to host a family-run circus on site.
And, given its close proximity to Kernan Cemetery, assurances have been given that, if approved, “efforts will also be made to ensure that circus activities are respectful of funeral bookings which may coincide with performances”.
The old Armagh District Council had once taken a decision to ban circuses from council-owned property.
But that has changed over the years – particularly with the formation of ABC Council – with several such operators allowed to pitch their ‘Big Top’ on local authority-owned land.
Circus Vegas, a family-owned business which has been touring Ireland, north and south, over the past two decades, has never used council land in the borough before.
A request, however, has now been received to avail of the gravel pitch at the Central Sports Arena at Kernan, from May 5 to May 11.
The council has walked a fine line and one of the key factors in turning away circuses in the past has been the use of animals in the show.
That, committee has been told, is not an issue in this case.
A report to the environment sitting tonight (Tuesday), explains: “Circus Vegas is a 100% all human production with a strict no animal policy, proudly operating without animals for over 10 years.
“Each year, the show evolves to reflect new trends and deliver an experience bigger and better than the last. This year’s production features classic circus clowns, high-energy motorbike acts inside the Globe of Steel, free style motocross stunts soaring through the Big Top.
“The show also includes impressive high wire balancing acts, juggling and much more.”
The committee is being asked to approve the use of Kernan by Circus Vegas, something which is required under bylaws.
According to the report, the circus will stage two shows a day, from Thursday, May 7 to Sunday, May 10, with a total capacity at each of 500 people. The extended closure beyond performances would facilitate set-up and dismantling of equipment.
The committee has been informed: “Previous to this year, to our knowledge, Circus Vegas has not availed of council property in this area, although they have used other local private sites with, reportedly, very little disturbance.
“In each venue they travel to, Circus Vegas offer specific days that have discounts to ensure affordability, offering all sectors of the community an opportunity to visit the attraction. They also work closely with discount ticket agents to help ensure capacity.
“When erecting advertising posters with the local business owners, the company pass out free tickets as a thank-you. They also contact local youth clubs and offer a discounted rate when bringing groups of youths to a performance.”
The environment committee is being asked to “grant consent and permit trading and musical entertainment relating to Circus Vegas in May 2026”.
The report acknowledges that the booking will “have an impact on local residents during performance” days and times, “with an increase in traffic” expected. That said, “Circus Vegas will provide a traffic management plan to deal with this”, committee has been assured.
Environmental Health have been consulted and are of the opinion that “noise nuisance is unlikely to be an issue”; officers have a “long-standing relationship with the circus and will liaise with the organisers to ensure compliance with Entertainment
Licensing requirements”.
It will also be necessary to close off the football pitches at Central Sports Arena, Kernan, from May 5 to 11, to “accommodate expected increase in footfall in the area”.
This would see a potential loss in pitch booking income of around £392, but the hire of the facility by Circus Vegas will bring in an expected £2,362.80.
The request and recommendation will be considered and decision made tonight (Tuesday).
