Circus comes to town (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Circus comes to town

CIRENCESTER is in for a rare treat next week as Gifford's Circus rolls into town.

The circus, which the Sunday Telegraph has called "the nation's most glamorous troup," includes the town in its summer tour for the very first time, performing on a site on Fairford Road from August 8-12.

This very different circus is the fulfilment of a lifetime dream of Nell Gifford who, with her landscape architect husband Toti, has recreated a tongue-in-cheek version of the circuses of the 1930s, when a white tent would be pitched on the village green and a host of acrobats, tight-rope walkers, fire eaters and clowns would appear to strut their stuff.

Except for two horses, who obviously enjoy their work enormously, there are no animals involved in this magical 90 minute show which will enthrall all members of the family.

The acts include the brilliant juggler brothers, Biniyam and Mehari Tesfamariam, acrobats Ralph and Celia, strong man Oleg direct from the Moscow State Circus and seven-times vaulting champion Rebecca Townsend from Moreton-in-Marsh.

A new venture for Nell and Toti in Cirencester is the provision of a tented cafe next to the Big Top where they offer a three course meal made from locally produced food and where diners can meet the artistes after the show. Dinner costs £15 a head, bring your own wine.

And if you cut out the advert for the circus, which appears in The Standard, and take it to the on-site box office, you can exchange it for a family ticket for two adults and two children which will cost £28 instead of £32.

Otherwise book tickets by ringing 01242 572573, but whatever you do, don't miss this splendid and unusual show.