Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The Italian Bellucci Circus has extended performances in Jeddah until Aug. 31, a move the organizers say is aimed at attracting school students to attend.

 

New ticket packages for groups have also been released.

 

Since the circus opened on Aug. 6, more than 35,000 people visited the circus, typically paying SR150 to SR250 a ticket.

 

Ahmed Redwan, a partner of Event Square, the company responsible for the circus, told Saudi Gazette that many families had attended the circus up to three times because of their children, but that some visitors had complained the prices were too high, so the circus was releasing new packages with reduced prices.

 

“Groups of 5 or more will get a discount of SR25 to SR50 per person, depending on the group number, and children 5 years old or younger will have free entry,” Redwan said.

 

New batches of tickets at various prices depending on seating have also been released.

 

Some parents attending the circus said they didn’t enjoy it, but that their kids had a great time.

 

A few people in the audience questioned the absence of animals, while others said it was good to see such a circus in Saudi Arabia.

 

“One of the obstacles that we faced was the weather,” Redwan said. “Because of the heat wave in previous weeks several times air-conditions were not working and we kept fixing it so visitors can enjoy the show.”

 

With schools opening, the circus will be welcoming students and several schools are expected to arrange trips.

 

After the success in Jeddah, the circus owners say they are considering other cities in the Kingdom.

 

The circus opened for the first time in 1870, and has been performing in countries worldwide since.