Decades of history as NightQuarter unveils new Sideshow Alley

DOYLE GILL has worked almost 1000 different events in his lifetime, but now the fifth-generation carny has settled down on the Gold Coast with his family as NightQuarter unveils their Sideshow Alley.

HE’S worked almost 1000 different events but fifth-generation showman Doyle Gill is ready to put down roots as he and his family set up shop at NightQuarter at Helensvale.

The entertainment precinct will unveil its new Sideshow Alley this weekend, adding six new attractions to go with their pre-existing 120, including dodgem cars and glow-in-the-dark fairy floss.

Mr Gill, 39, has been travelling around Australia to carnivals and shows since he was a child, but said he was looking forward to having a home base on the Gold Coast.

“It takes me away from travelling, I still do of course ... but because we can have an income that’s 20 minutes away from home, we don’t have to travel as much,” he said.

Unveiling of new permanent Side Show Alley precinct at Night Quarter. Photo of Scarlett Gill (5) and her mum Jennifer Gill. Photo by Richard Gosling

He’s now moved to Yatala with his wife, Jennifer, and his two daughters, Scarlet, 5, and Lilian, just six days old.

American-born Ms Gill herself comes from a carnival family, but said she’d never had the same interest.

“My family has their own show back in America, so I would help them out during summers, but it wasn’t my thing,” she said.

“But then I actually ended up marrying into it anyway.”

He added while his eldest daughter won’t be living the same travelling lifestyle he had, she’ll be growing up around it just the same.

Unveiling of new permanent Side Show Alley precinct at Night Quarter. Photo of Scarlett Gill (5). Photo by Richard Gosling

“She’s already been involved, she’s got herself a small apron, a money back, she worked the Duck Game,” he said.

“I actually had to make her redundant, she wanted too much money.”

Sideshow Alley opens at NightQuarter in Helensvale this afternoon.