UK’s 250 years of circus: A look at how tastes have evolved

An increasing number of countries have banned the use of wild animals in circus acts over welfare concerns, the UK is expected to follow suit in two years’ time.

A new generation of performers are striving to keep the circus relevant.

Cities in the UK are celebrating 250 years since the modern circus was founded.

But it has been forced to adapt, as rising costs and animal welfare concerns have brought falling audiences.

Al Jazeera’s Neave Barker reports from Birmingham.