<P> The circus ring can be lowered into a pool of water and holds 42,000 imperial gallons (190,000 L) at a depth of up to 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m), which allows for Grand Finales with Dancing Fountains . The Tower Circus is one of four left in the world that can do this . </P> <P> The clown Charlie Cairoli appeared at the tower for 39 years . Britain's best - known ringmaster Norman Barrett worked the ring for 25 years . </P> <P> Animals appeared in the circus until 1990 . It was planned to close the circus at the end of the 1990 season and replace it with an animatronic attraction . Public opinion and the fact the animatronics were not ready meant that the circus continued . </P> <P> Today, the circus is produced and directed by Hungarian Laci Endresz, who is married to Maureen, one of the Roberts family who have a long association with the Tower Circus . A live band (sometimes accompanied by Mooky the Clown) provides all the music for the show, often dynamically syncing with the performers' movements . The circus band play a variety of different songs, usually Latin for the acts . In the winter the circus stages a pantomime instead of the regular show . </P>

When did blackpool tower circus stop using animals