Fred Van Buren - Disaster

Disaster

In the 1984 tour of Fossett’s Circus, in which the Van Buren’s were starring, the big top was totally destroyed in a violent storm that raged through Dublin in the early hours of 18 October. Several members of the company were injured as they tried to rescue props and equipment. Van Buren received a bad arm injury and had to have three stitches in a bloody cut above his eye. A few days later, however, all was repaired and replaced so that the show could go on.

Following many years captivating audiences in variety and circuses (including performances for Bob Gandey’s grandson Phillip), on cruises and cabarets worldwide, and performing before royalty, the Van Buren’s toured with their own full illusion show with a 3,000 seater circus tent until 1992.

For Christmas 1992, Van Buren took the illusion show into Wembley arena in conjunction with fellow showman Gerry Cottle’s Circus and indoor fun fair. The circus was ring mastered by television celebrity Jeremy Beadle and featured circus artistes from all over the world. A giant fun fair filled the surrounding halls and the Van Buren illusion show prominently featured as a stand-alone show alternating with the circus.