Recognise circus and fairgrounds in the UK inventory of ICH
The DCMS is drawing up an inventory of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items following the signing of the UNESCO treaty on 'ICH'. We want circus and fairgrounds to be recognised on that inventory.
Signatures
10,242
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 10,242/100,000
- 15 APR 2026Petition closedFinal total: 10,242 signatures
- 13 MAR 2026Government respondedDepartment for Culture, Media and SportGovernment reply
We welcome a submission on circus and fairgrounds to the inventories of living heritage, which will be included if it meets the published criteria.
Read full response - 26 FEB 202610,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 15 OCT 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
Historic fairs and traditional circuses form an important part of the UK's cultural fabric and represent a way of life for travelling show people. This culture is not one of the 'protected characteristics' associated with visible ethnic minority or faith groups. Show people represent a diverse group but have in common the need to travel to present their entertainment offering. We feel only government recognition via the ICH inventory can provide the assurance for this way of life to continue.