In a press statement issued on Friday afternoon, December 10, the organisers of the annual Circus Festival announced its cancellation due to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

The move raises fears that many other events, especially those of an international nature, will be postponed or cancelled in the coming weeks.

The full statement read: “The Organising Committee of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, under the Presidency of HSH Princess Stéphanie, announces the postponement of the 45th Edition of the Circus Festival and the 10th Competition of young circus-artists “New Generation” to January 2023.

In view of the actual sanitary and health conditions this decision has been taken in accordance with the Government of Monaco and also due to the fact that the biggest Circus-Event in the world presents more than 200 artists from over 20 countries and receives a very international public.

We sincerely regret this decision, but in view of the responsibility towards the health and security of everybody, we certainly may count on your understanding.

Let us meet again in January 2023 around the most famous Circus-ring in the world at a time free of sanitary restrictions and ready for a great Circus-Event! Take care, stay healthy and safe! Long live the Circus!”