Roll up, roll up Frampton swaps boxing ring for circus ring

Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton joined in the juggling, plate spinning and topped a human pyramid as part of a visit to promote awareness of National Lottery funding in Northern Ireland.

The Belfast Community Circus School is one of more than 20,000 projects to have received National Lottery backing in Northern Ireland since The National Lottery began back in 1994.

And another one of those recipients of National Lottery funding is Frampton, himself, who was supported as an amateur boxer.

The Jackal proved to be as good a sport in the circus ring as he is in the boxing ring as he swapped his gloves for a top hat and participated in a number of activities with young people from the college.

They are currently rehearsing for a special performance at the Festival of Fools, which is run by the circus school, and will take place over the May Day bank holiday weekend.

The youngsters who have a range of disabilities and difficulties attend the circus school each week as part of an initiative to improve their confidence, fitness and social skills.

The visit was part of The National Lottery’s #ThankYouNI campaign which raises awareness of the 20,000 local projects who have shared in more than £1 billion of investment in Northern Ireland since 1994.


Carl said: “I had a brilliant time at the Belfast Community Circus School, spending time with young people from the Belfast Metropolitan College as they get ready for their big performance at the Festival of Fools.

“It was great to see how much the enjoy taking part in these session and how it really helps those involved with their fitness, confidence and general well-being. The team and their trainers do a fantastic job.

“Many people don’t realise there are so many local groups doing amazing work in the community. If you play the National Lottery you should feel proud to have support them.”

Jenna Hall, chief executive of the Belfast Community Circus School, added: “We were delighted to welcome Carl Frampton to the circus school to meet our staff and some of the students who take part in our sessions.

“Carl is a great role model for our young people and it was interesting to hear from him about how some of the preparation for practicing circus skills is similar to his own warm-up routines as a boxer.

“At our school we act not only to teach and engage young people in many communities across Northern Ireland but as a training school for professional teachers and performers of circus arts.

“Support from the National Lottery through the Arts Council Northern Ireland has been crucial in enabling us to carry out this valuable work.”

Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery said: “National Lottery players have raised a staggering £1 billion for more than 20,000 good causes in Northern Ireland.

“You may ask yourself what connects a brilliant and innovative organisation such as the Belfast Community Circus School and an elite sports star like Carl Frampton?

“Well, the answer is simple, the National Lottery has supported them both over the last 25 years, in addition to countless local charities and heritage projects.

“Carl Frampton, who was supported by the National Lottery as an amateur, has developed into a world-class boxer and fine ambassador for Northern Ireland.

“The Belfast Community Circus School is a superb example of organisation with good people at its heart who change lives for the better. If you play the National Lottery you have helped them both.”

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