Roll up, roll up: Fossetts Circus posts results

THE COMPANY behind Fossetts Circus had a deficit of €230,579 at the end of April 2011, slightly lower than the €240,000 deficit posted the previous year, according to accounts just filed for the company.

The accounts state that the company posted “a small profit” for the period. Liabilities exceeded assets by €218,000.

Fossetts Circus is Ireland’s oldest circus troupe, with a history stretching back to the 1880s. The company is privately owned by brothers Edward and Robert Fossett, direct descendents of the founder. The company employs 45 people at peak season.

According to marketing manager Charles O’Brien, the company has emerged from a difficult period by diversifying its performance venues.

It has incorporated a number of “anchor events” into its schedule, such as the Electric Picnic and Winter Wonderland. It also performs at shopping centres and supermarkets.

“Car parks in shopping centres are the village greens of the 21st century,” Mr O’Brien said.