Fears have been raised the circus will not be coming to town in Newquay this summer.

Paulo’s Circus has been told by the land-owner, Persimmon Homes, that it will not able to use the Circus Field at Trevithick Manor Farm any longer as it is due to be developed into a housing estate.

But circus owner Kenny Darnell Jr is calling on the builder to allow the use of the land for one more year whilst the circus finds a new home.

Concerned residents and holiday-makers who have been visiting the circus on the site since 1999 have been signing a Change.org petition to save the summer shows. 

More than 500 people have already signed the petition.

Aerial view of the Carnival Field (I Am Sean)

Mr Darnell said: “After 23 years in The Circus Field in Newquay we now have to have a new venue and that is seeming harder than thought. 

“We are not sure why we cannot use the field we have always been in, even though we have been told no building work will happen on it this year and a venue we have been told is available is a way out of Newquay. 

“We always thought a green space would be made available in the development for the circus, car boots and the fun fair.

“We have done ever so much for the town over the years and for all of Cornwall and it seems like we are being pushed aside. 

“We have been contacting Persimmon Homes but have received no reply.

“We will have to find another venue somewhere else in Cornwall for the summer, which involves all sorts of paperwork and site visits.

“Without some help it is looking like we will not be able to attend this year with our circus as we have done every summer.

“It really breaks my heart that the town we call home may no longer be.”

The famous laser show at Paulo's Circus (Bina Fellowes Photography)

Ambre Brown, who launched the petition, said: “Newquay summer celebrations would not be the same without our famous circus.

“Paulos Circus have given so much to our community not just entertainment but free tickets, bringing holiday-makers in, generating the town and businesses money, most importantly childhood memories as well as much more.” 

Anyone who would like to sign the petition can visit www.change.org/p/save-the-paulos-circus-summer-shows-in-newquay