Луки Аустин возвращается в родной Чиппенхем звездой семейного цирка Ginnett

A schoolboy who once dreamed of life under the big top is returning home as one of the stars of the show. Luke Austin, better known as Luke the Clown, is set to perform in Chippenham as part of Circus Ginnett, his family’s historic travelling circus. The show will run in Monkton Park from Thursday, September 10, to Sunday, September 13. Mr Austin grew up in Chippenham. He attended Redlands Primary School and later Hardenhuish School before leaving education at 16 to join the family business full-time. Patrick Austin, Luke’s father, said: "This is more than just another stop on the circus tour. "It's a special kind of homecoming for Luke." Circus Ginnett is one of Britain’s oldest circus dynasties, dating back to the early 1800s. Mr Austin was featured at age 10 in episode three of the Channel 5 documentary series "Circus Kids: Our Secret World." The programme followed children growing up in traditional travelling circuses, showing his split life between weekdays in Chippenham and weekends on the road. Since returning to the circus, Mr Austin has become a professional performer and one of the show's lead comedy acts. He is especially known for his performances with the Boozaphone, a unique musical instrument that even earned him a segment on BBC News in 2025. For Mr Austin, performing in Chippenham is not just a professional engagement—it is a personal milestone. He will be entertaining an audience that includes childhood friends, former classmates, and members of the community who knew him before the circus became his full-time life. Circus Ginnett’s visit to Chippenham is part of its 2026 tour. Showtimes are Thursday at 6.30pm, Friday at 4.30pm and 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 5pm, and Sunday at 12pm. Mr Austin's father, Patrick, runs Circus Ginnett alongside his Cuban wife Lisandra. He said that performing in Chippenham is especially meaningful for the family. The Ginnett name has been associated with circus and variety entertainment for more than 200 years, with each generation contributing to a rich legacy of performance and entertainment.