WAGONS roll for Giffords Circus when it begins its summer tour of the Cotswolds and beyond from Friday, May 13.

The Painted Wagon opens at Giffords Circus' HQ Fennells Farm in Stroud and visits local areas including Cirencester, Minchinhampton Common, Sudeley Castle and Daylesford Organic Far.

Established in 2000 by Nell and Toti Gifford, Giffords Circus is renowned for its eclectic circus theatre fusion style. Giffords Circus experiments with the circus form, weaving theatre, opera, dance and puppetry into a 90-minute fun filled performance.

Shows are always idiosyncratic, beautifully designed creations featuring a live orchestra, clowns, acrobats, horses, handmade costumes and farmyard animals.

This year's show sees critically acclaimed writer and director Cal McCrystal return for his fifth year as director.

Over the last 15 years the circus has amassed a loyal following, performing to over 800,000 people.

Their signature burgundy and gold showman’s wagons and billowing tent have become a summer staple in village greens, market towns and cities all over the South West.

Throughout the winter Giffords Circus is based at its Cotswold HQ, home of Nell and Toti. The Giffords team spends the winter preparing staging, scenery and props.

Meanwhile performers reconvene in early April to start rehearsing for the summer tour.

  •  Tickets are priced from £15 for adults and from £10 for children (aged 3-14). Children aged 3 and under go free if sitting on a lap.
  • Full ticket pricing from giffordscircus.com or Box Office on 0845 459 7469.