Guernsey Business Claims £20K Loss from Portsmouth-Jersey Ferry Detour

Circus Faces Setback After Ferry Route Changes Cause £20K Loss

A travelling circus says changes to Channel Island ferry routes have cost them £20,000 and disrupted their tour.

Circus manager Mr Hatton said in previous years they could sail directly from Guernsey to Jersey, but this time were forced to detour via Portsmouth due to a reduction in inter-island ferry services.

After dismantling their big top in Guernsey on Monday, the team left early Tuesday, arriving in Jersey at 07:00 on Wednesday following a five-hour Portsmouth stopover. The delay meant a lost day of setup and performances, plus extra hotel costs for staff.

Mr Hatton said: “The extra travel and hotel expenses, along with missing a show day, really set us back.”

Despite the challenges, he said the circus remains committed to performing in the Channel Islands but called for improved freight ferry options with more sailing times: “The more flexibility, the better.”