Gifford's Circus is on the road again (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Gifford's Circus is on the road again

ROLL UP! Roll Up! Gifford's Circus is on the road again with a brand new opening venue - at Cowley, just down the Cheltenham road - from May 20-23.

Gifford's is a fairytale recreation of a 'thirties circus, complete with jugglers, strong men, aerialists and equestrian artists.

It's glamorous, mischievous, intimate and fun; it's the tale of prancing horses, dancing ladies, vaudeville and music hall.

Since its launch in May 2000 Gifford's Circus has electrified audiences in the villages and towns of England's south-west.

Nell Gifford, circus director and impresario, and her husband Toti had a unique vision: they wanted to create a touring, nomadic life, alive with ideas and art - and live it.

They return for the 2004 season with a show created around The Dream of the Pearl. Old favourites - the prancing horses, the dazzling tight rope walker, the aerial chanteuse and the Russian strongman - will return, but no season is ever like the last.

Nell will be pearly queen on her new spotted Polish horse, Havana; the show girls become divas of the dance hall; a new clown, Tweedy, will revive the forgotten art of eccentric dance; there is an 18th century romantic frog; Miriam, the diminutive Dutch horse trainer and partner will be performing an ancient form of Spanish riding, and Romanian couple, Evelyn and Cristian Marinof, will be appearing for the first time with their award-winning springboard routine.

Gifford's Circus is a return to childhood innocence, a genuinely family affair, hugely popular with everyone who sees it and championed by the critics. And afterwards, why not sample the delights of the circus cafe wagon, dining alongside the artistes and eating fresh, local and very imaginative seasonal food?

Should you miss Gifford's Circus at Cowley, here are the nearest places to see it during its summer tour.

Cirencester - Stratton Meadows, June 17-21.

Barrington - opposite The Fox, June 24-28.

Longborough Farm Shop, July 1-5.

Lechlade - The Trout, July 8-12.

Minety - Summerhouse Farm, July 22-26.

Minchinhampton Common, August 5-16.

Book your tickets on 01242 572573 - NOW!