THE CIRCUS is in town . . . and, being Giffords, it grows bigger and better each year. And while the show retains plenty of familiar elements, there’s also plenty that’s new to keep regular visitors and newcomers enthralled.

This year the theme is the clash of cultures as Mme Andromeda from Transylvania brings her gypsy circus to join Gifford’s, where they’re intent on a more classical form of entertainment. That gives scope for a real mixture of artists, and there are performers from all over the world coming together in acts from slack wire and tight rope to juggling, puppetry, magic, clowning, acrobatics and aerial work.

Everyone was good, and a few acts were astonishing. Magician Maximiliano Stia from Argentina appeared at least four times, each appearance showing off different skills with his routine with the bear almost bringing the house down. Aerial artist Imre Bernath from Hungary combined strength with elegance as he soared through the air, and the four Godfathers from the Ukraine defied gravity with their routines.

More than worthy of mention are wire walker Francois Marietta, jugglers Bibi and Bichu (aided by a very brave Caitlin Downie) and, of course, firm favourite Tweedy the Clown who managed to steal every scene he was in.

This was a show packed with variety and good old-fashioned entertainment: the costumes were stunning, the musicians superb and the whole thing a treat throughout.

The show returns to the area (to Stratton Meadows in Cirencester) from September 12 to 22.

Review by Jane Leigh