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.

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.

As part of the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK Government is working closely with the Devolved Governments to create inventories for each of the four nations in the UK; these will combine into one inventory of Living Heritage (or Intangible Cultural Heritage) in the UK.

Following a public consultation (www.gov.uk/government/consultations/2003-unesco-convention-for-the-safeguarding-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage) on the inventory process, we have opened a call for submissions for communities to submit items of living heritage here: https://livingheritage.unesco.org.uk/.

The government would welcome a submission from the circus and fairground community on their living heritage. Subject to the submission meeting the criteria outlined in the consultation response, the item would be included.

Inclusion in the inventories of an item would provide recognition of the item's significance, contributing in part to the safeguarding of the item through greater awareness and understanding. The government will set out its approach to further supporting communities to safeguard their living heritage later this year.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport