For those with a fear or dislike of clowns, Northern Ireland is the place to be, as that nation is experiencing a shortage of the circus performers.
The lack of clowns is part of the overall worker shortage that is hampering many businesses in the wake of COVID-19 driven lockdowns. Many performers from other countries returned home when the lockdowns went into effect last year, and have yet to return to circuses based in Northern Ireland because they’ve found work elsewhere.
The problem has been perpetuated by the lifting of COVID-related restrictions in other European countries, but not Northern Ireland. Circus owner David Duffy said, “Because all the circuses in Europe and in England have been up and operational for the past six months, that huge pool of EU artists are already back at work and up until last week we haven’t been able to even get visas issued for non-EU artists and entertainers.”
“That’s why we’re trying to reach out for any of our folks at home who feel that they can give it a go,” Duffy added.
Northern Ireland didn’t announce the loosening any of the country’s COVID-19 restrictions until this past Monday. Other nations across Europe and elsewhere had already lifted many if not all their restrictions within the past several months. The relaxed protocols in Northern Ireland include ending social distancing in certain indoor locations. The country is expected to announce additional changes Oct. 7.
Clowns will therefore be returning soon to the UK nation. Beware.
Source: BBC
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