Cheers of a clown

by James Lyon & Adam Durham.

Over 200 clowns from all over the country converged on Sefton, Merseyside in September, putting smiles on the faces of people throughout the borough.

The Netherton Activity Centre, as well as schools in the area, received a visit from just some of the children's entertainers, who had gathered for the country's largest clowns convention this year.

The convention culminated in a week-long celebration in Southport, where members of the public were shown exactly what a clown does, how he or she works and what the great advantages of being a clown are.

The entertainers held workshops showing people how to paint their faces, how to juggle, stilt walk and ride a unicycle. There were also books for sale on how to be a clown.

Thousands of people attended the convention to see the entertainers perform. One of the clowns who performed was Chuckles, who insisted on being mentioned as the biggest, the fattest, the ugliest and above all the best clown in this article! He said he was literally born a clown, as his father was a clown and his grandfather was a clown. He said he had to be a clown as he couldn't let his family down.

"I've been a clown since I was a twinkle in my mother's eye," he said. "It is a full time profession and I wouldn't do anything else. When I'm not a clown, Mr. Woo hits me!"

Back