A beloved children’s performer is looking forward to returning to one of her “favourite” places in Salford.
Lucy Wilkinson, known across Greater Manchester as clown Louby Lou, will don her colourful clown outfit, complete with a bright red nose and yellow frizzy hair, when she entertains families in Kargo Market at Salford Quays on Wednesday 12 August.
With 30 years of clowning under her belt, Lucy’s act is far more than silly face paint and a few jokes.
From slapstick comedy and puppet shows to lively disco dancing, Lucy’s energetic performances are designed to keep children of all ages entertained.
“Kargo really is one of my favourite places to perform,” Lucy told Salford Now. “The vibe is always brilliant. It’s relaxed, welcoming and we always get a great turnout. We normally have around 50 children joining in, which creates such a lovely atmosphere. And the fact that kids eat free makes it even better for families!”
Children’s entertainment runs in Lucy’s blood. Her father was a clown and watching him perform inspired her to follow in his footsteps, stepping into his oversized shoes at the age of six.
“I’ve been a professional clown for nearly 30 years, but I was brought up in the business, so clowning has always been part of my life,” she explained. “We now have a 40-year family legacy, which I’m incredibly proud of.
“Recently we had a really special celebration where my dad got back into his clown costume as part of the celebration for my new costume. It was such a lovely moment and brought that whole family history together.”
From children’s parties and school visits to hospital wards, Lucy has spent decades helping to give youngsters across the region a lift.
“Clowns are so important because they bring so much joy, and not just to children,” the mum of three said. “There is something genuinely magical about clowning. Clowns make people laugh, bring people together and create those little moments that families remember. Pure and simple things can make a great clown. For me, clowns are magic.”
Her performances come at a time when clowns have increasingly been portrayed as sinister figures on the big screen, earning a reputation for being more frightening than funny.
“I know clowns are sometimes portrayed as scary, particularly in films, but that isn’t what real clowning is about at all. Clowns bring joy, laughter and connection,” she said, noting that parents who have watched unnerving films may be more likely to have coulrophobia than their children.
“I think the fear of clowns can sometimes be a generational thing, influenced by scary films and then unintentionally passed on to children. Children aren’t born thinking clowns are scary, which is why we have to be careful about the language and ideas we put around them. My job is to make children feel happy, comfortable and included.”
Lucy’s vibrant and cheerful clowning act will run from 11am to noon, beginning with classic clowning skills set to modern Ibiza beats before culminating in a magical saxophone performance designed to leave audiences smiling.
Children aged three and above need a ticket to attend, while adults can enjoy the fun free of charge. More information is available here.
