THE end of school summer holidays signals one thing in Stratton, Cirencester – the circus is coming to town.

Giffords Circus always chooses Stratton Meadows just outside Cirencester for the final leg of its exotic journey around the West country.

Giffords Circus ringmaster David Hibling, 53, has worked in circuses around the world since he was 17. “I watched a circus on TV when I was young and told my mother I was going to be a ringmaster. I am doing something that I love and travel all over the world.”

Along with Mr Hibling, Giffords has a host of other performers, including world-renowned acrobats, musicians, jugglers, dancers, geese, tumbling pigeons, and clowns, looking ahead now to their stay in Cirencester.

“We are very much looking forward to coming to Cirencester although it is sad because it means the tour is coming to an end. It has been a fantastic season this year and the public reception has been so strong,” said Mr Hibling.

Giffords is a circus like no other and this year’s title ‘War and Peace at The Circus’, inspired by Tolstoy's classic Russian novel, suggests a show of epic proportions.

“It is typical Giffords that they push the limits of the imagination and will interpret an epic in just two hours,” said Mr Hibling.

This year audiences are promised the welcome return of Tweedy the clown along with Ethiopian juggling sensations Bibi and Bichu.

There are also some brand new acts including aerial ribbon stunts from Natalia Demjen, Russian gymnasts who defy physics; and, from the famous Moulin Rouge, the handstand tap duo Pat Bradford and Kate Smythe.

The Circus was set up by Nell and Toti Gifford in 2000 from their base in Bourton-on-the-Water, with the intention of creating a small traditional circus company that would bring the magic back to British audiences.

Since then the company have been touring with a troupe of performance artists, musicians, horses and traditional home-made wagons producing unique family shows.

“Giffords is more than just a circus. It is a circus family,” said Mr Hibling.

Giffords Circus will be at Stratton Meadows, Cirencester, on September 2-11.

Tickets are £20 (adults) and £12 (under 16’s). Call the box office on 0845 459 7469 to book tickets.