What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Intangible cultural heritage is the knowledge and traditions inherited from previous generations and passed on to our descendants. Modern Circus was invented by an Englishman. In London in 1768, Philip Astley created the first circus ring. He brought together acrobats, clowns and trick riders to entertain both high society and the general public.
Official Support
With the support of the European Circus Association and the Federation du Cirque Mondiale, the UK’s Association of Circus Proprietors (ACP) has engaged with the UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to try to achieve recognition for the intangible cultural heritage significance of Circus and its importance in the cultural life of Britain.
The cultural heritage of all circuses is distinct from other travellers. It is a unique way of life as we move from town to town to entertain. Without ICH status, it is becoming harder for travelling circus communities to access education for our children or healthcare for performers, or even parks in which to set up the Circus Big Top to continue the tradition of the travelling circuses. To bring the fun and talent to each town takes a large team of dedicated people and their way of life should be preserved for the benefits it brings to so many more.
Recognition
We know Circus is valued by the many families we meet every year. We are now looking for the art form to be declared an official part of British living heritage.
The UK ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage last year, requiring member states to compile their inventory of living heritage practised by communities in their country.
Heritage Minister Fiona Twycross is aware that "the UK is rich with wonderful traditions" and has asked "everyone to think about what traditions they value so that we can continue to celebrate them". The DCMS wants to hear from you and is encouraging public participation. Zippos Circus and the ACP hope that ICH status will add to the national story and safeguard the Circus tradition in the UK.
Nominations open in summer 2025 for UK traditions to gain Intangible Cultural Heritage status. The Performing Arts category covers "living heritage relating to performance and human creativity" which describes Circus well.
How to Support
If you would like to support our campaign, we will share news when the DCMS opens the nominations.
You can find out more about Intangible Cultural Heritage here.
