Welshpool protest over circus's lions and tigers show

The Chipperfield Family has been holding its An Evening with Lions and Tigers show in Welshpool for more than a week.

Today, a group of protesters was due to gather at 1pm outside the show tent at Moat Farm, off the A483 in Welshpool.

Jan Glover, from Newtown, who is leading the protest, said she believes people no longer want to see this type of entertainment.

She said: "I have stood outside with a banner on a number of the days this show has been held already and we are now all gathering for its final show in Welshpool today.

"From what I have seen already this past week or so, it seems clear to me that there is not the appetite from the general public to see this type of show.

"While stood outside with my banner I have had lots of thumbs up and toots from drivers passing by supporting us and I hope that is the case again today.

"I don't think the show has been an overwhelming success in terms of numbers, although that is not for me to say."

Mrs Glover added that she is delighted Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies was also backing a ban on performing animals in travelling shows.

"I was very pleased to hear that," she said.

"I know Mr Davies has promised to vote for the ban to go through parliament and I welcome that move."

Mr Davies has previously said he was "disappointed" the show was being held in his constituency and said he would prefer it if the show was not taking place.

But Anthony Beckwith, one of the show directors, said: "There are many misconceptions about the welfare of animals used for entertainment, so what we are doing is taking people behind the scenes demonstrating the methods used in training and explaining how and why we do what we do and why it's an important part of our culture."

"It's something totally different and exciting. Nothing at all has been presented in this manner here before so we advise people come to book tickets in advance as we are an intimate venue with limited seating."