Read more Placard-waving clowns have chained themselves to the gates of Alton Towers in protest at a new horror maze which they claim 'demonises' the circus performers. The Carnival of Screams attraction has been launched to coincide with Halloween and promises a circus 'that nightmares are made of'. But a host of clowns have taken offence at the ride and yesterday protested claiming they were being portrayed in a negative light.