Circus Blessing (1955)

Chessington Zoo, Chessington, Surrey. M/S of a caravan door opening and a circus ringmaster stepping out. Another caravan is seen two circus girls step out dressed in a bikini style outfit and swimsuit with tutu affair. They walk along together holding hands. They are followed by a woman in Spanish costume, then another in a bizarre blue number with feathered hat. A poodle watches them all trot past. M/S of Shetland ponies being led out of a stable by a man in a clown outfit. The ponies have feathers attached to their bridles by the clowns and other circus performers. L/S of a group of choirboys walking across a courtyard in the zoo. The circus performers follow them. It is the occasion of “the blessing of the circus“. Various performers and animals are seen passing the camera. The vicar of Chessington, the Reverend Edward Lucey gives his blessing to those in hazardous occupations in the ring - this is an annual tradition. The vicar gives an elephant something to eat. The trapeze artists a