A VICAR from the Vale of Glamorgan carried out a traditional blessing of Circus Mondao’s new Big Top as they rolled into Sully.

Revd John Ormrod blessed the tent for the safety of the performers as well as the animals and audience under its roof.

And the reverend is no stranger to the performing arts having previously been a stage manager for National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.

“This was a first for me but I was delighted to oblige,” said the priest who oversees Sully and Wenvoe with St Lythans.

“I was told it was a tradition within the circus for new tents and Big Tops to be blessed by the local vicar.”

He used the branch of a Yew Tree to sprinkle water around the tent along with the circus performers and animals.

Revd Ormond said; “It was a lovely occasion - everyone made me feel very welcome and it was great to do something a little bit different.”

Ringmistress Petra Jackson said: “We were very grateful to the Revd Ormond for carrying out the blessing which was attended by all artists in full costume, all staff and animals. It was fantastic to find him as with his theatrical background, it just seemed as though it was meant to be.

“Two of our performers were christened in the Big Top as children and many circus people also marry in the Big Top.

“The circus tent/Big Top is the centre piece of our lives and everything revolves around it. Without a tent we are not a circus.”

The Circus Mondao has now moved on to Porthcawl.