Northern Ireland

Will Chamberlain: Influential circus school director laid to rest

Will Chamberlain was laid to rest in Roselawn cemetery outside Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Will Chamberlain was laid to rest in Roselawn cemetery outside Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell Will Chamberlain was laid to rest in Roselawn cemetery outside Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE "inspirational" director of a Belfast circus school was laid to rest today.

Some mourners dressed in colourful outfits as Will Chamberlain, director and chief executive of the Belfast Community Circus School, was buried in Roselawn cemetery on the outskirts of Belfast.

In a nod to the father-of-two's professional background as a clown, one mourner wore a red nose pinned to his suit.

A celebration of Mr Chamberlain's life later took place at the circus school.

The 54-year-old, who was born in London, died on Thursday following a battle with cancer.

He worked as a clown, juggler and comedian and taught circus skills to young people in England and Switzerland before moving to Belfast in 1996.

After working as a development officer for the Belfast circus school, Mr Chamberlain became its director in 2000.

Four years later, he set up Premiere Circus, a commercial agency to promote employment opportunities for circus performers.

Roisin McDonough, chief executive of the Arts Council, said Mr Chamberlain was an influential figure in the sector.

"Thanks to his determined championing of circus and street theatre, these art forms are practically unrecognizable from what they were when he first arrived here some 20 years ago," she said.

The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell The funeral of Will Chamberlain in Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Will Chamberlain died last Thursday at the age of 54. Picture by Hugh Russell
Will Chamberlain died last Thursday at the age of 54. Picture by Hugh Russell Will Chamberlain died last Thursday at the age of 54. Picture by Hugh Russell