Ticket holders have been left in limbo after performers were told at the last minute tonight’s Great Moscow Circus would not go ahead at the Ballarat showgrounds.
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Event manager Patrick Anderson said Edgley Attractions, which is running the circus, went into liquidation on Monday.
Mr Anderson, who has been working on a contract with Moscow Circus, said international crew members have been left stranded and without pay.
While details of how creditors would be paid during the liquidation process remained unclear, Mr Anderson said he believed it was unlikely there would be any refunds for pre-purchased tickets.
“Unfortunately I think ticket holders have lost their money, Edgley Attractions has left everyone holding the bag trying to sort everything out with no information,” he said.
The Moscow Circus, which has become a household name in country towns through its touring performances for more than 50 years in Australia, has also left veteran performers despairing about their future.
Performer Rushat Polaschuk, who lives in Cairns, said they were told on Wednesday that tonight’s 7.30pm show was cancelled.
“I don’t know what I’ll do, hopefully work cover will support me,” he said.
The other Ballarat entity caught in the crossfire of the sudden closure is showgrounds owner Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, who were hosting the touring circus.
Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Kerri Gallagher apologised to everyone impacted but said inquiries must be directed to Moscow Circus about ticket refunds.
“While the Moscow Circus is renting our land for our week the event has nothing to do with the Agricultural Society,” she said.
More to come.