By Lynn Carroll, Director of CircusWorks
Our circus world lost a giant yesterday. Gerry Cottle was a huge personality in the UK circus world, and a great advocate and supporter of youth circus. He hosted us for our first ever youth circus festival at Wookey Hole in 2012, and was always incredibly generous with tickets for young people to see his shows. Many kids had the opportunity to see Chinese State Circus, Moscow State circus and many other shows due to his kindness. He was also incredibly proud of the youth troupe at Wookey Hole who perform there every weekend.
Gerry was not someone who sat on the sidelines. He got out to see as many circus shows as he could, and came along to many conferences, seminars and meetings about circus over the years. He was never afraid to give his opinion, and was a passionate advocate for the magic of circus.
We had hoped to have our next conference at Wookey Hole but coronavirus got in the way. It also took this great man from us. What a terrible disease.
We will miss Gerry’s warmth, generosity and passion for circus. We send condolences to his family and many friends. Rest in peace Gerry, one of the last great showmen.
