Circus supports school affected by fatal coach crash

Tequila Circus is raising money for those impacted by the Exmoor coach crash

A travelling circus is using its latest residency to support children affected by a fatal school coach crash.

Tequila Circus has been selling special souvenir programmes at its performances in Minehead, raising nearly £1,000 for the town’s middle school.

Ten-year-old Oliver Price died when a coach carrying children from the school left the road in July.

The circus will also hold a special day of shows for students, staff and friends of the school on Saturday, as pupils prepare to go back to the classrooms.

Domingo Juan Morales Alvarado, the co-director of the circus, said it is chance to give back to the Somerset community which has been "so welcoming" to them.

The circus hails from Mexico City and was started in 2020, it performs in Spanish and English with clowns, acrobats and aerial performers.

It has stopped in Minehead for the last few years, and Mr Morales Alvarado, who is also known as Picorete the clown, said the people of the town are "marvellous".

"The people are lovely... they have been fantastic," he said, adding many of the local businesses direct customers to their shows.

Eleanor Morales Debney, circus co-director and stunt performer, said the company decided it would fundraise and offer the private shows after arriving in the town on the day of the crash.

"We just took a step back and thought, how can we support the community like they have supported us," she said.

The circus will put on a special show for Minehead Middle School

The school's headteacher, Laura Mackie, said she was "incredibly grateful" to the troupe for its gesture.

"This act of generosity and kindness will bring moments of lightness and connection at a time when they are so needed,” she said.

"Throughout the summer, our school has remained open to students and families, and we've worked closely with the community to provide ongoing support.

"We remain deeply thankful for the warmth, care and unity shown to us - it makes a real difference."

Avon and Somerset Police said the investigation into the coach crash remains ongoing.