THE circus is coming to town - and it is free for all to enjoy!

Stroud’s annual Festival of Wonder starts on Friday at St Laurence Church - the Stroud Centre for Peace & the Arts in the town centre, focusing on themes of wonder and hope for a better world until Sunday.

Organiser Phil Coysh said: “Now in its third year, this free weekend offers wonder for everyone, from bouncing babies, young people parents and for every generation beyond.

“Mark your calendars now and come down into Stroud town centre for all the fun of the fair,”

“Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere as the community comes together to wonder and hope for ‘a better world our hearts know is possible.”

This year’s world class artists include 2023 Britain’s Got Talent finalists and amazing aerialists Duo Odyssey, popular French shadow dancers Claire et Antho, comedian and clown Viktor Vassiliev, hilarious circus entertainer Thomas Trilby and Stroud stilt walker and juggler The Magnificent Mr Kai to name but a few.

The free main circus show The Snow Globe featuring Duo Odyssey and others, written and directed by Andy Bewley, (ex-Giffords Circus) is repeated at 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.

There are no tickets but be prepared to queue for a short time as access is on a first come, first served basis.

To add to the atmosphere, this year the church will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of snowflakes designed by primary school children.

Also performing are Stroud Folk Choir, The Raga Babas, Ambitions Dance, School of Larks and the Stroud Phoenix Choir and Phoenix Children’s Choir.

For the truly young there is the under-fives play area, a popular craft area where this year big and small kids alike can design their own kite for the festival’s kite display, as well as the ever-popular face painting.

For those seeking a more refined sense of wonder, a visit to The Thin Space reflective zone and the interactive Wall of Wonder gives a break from the hustle and bustle of the wider festival.

Once the wonder bug has caught you and you have worked up a thirst or an appetite, there is a free café, a late afternoon bar and hot food provided on Saturday by community chef Sam Angelo.

The spectacular grand finale Circus of the Soul is at 6pm on Sunday. This finale is expected to be extremely popular, so tickets are required but remain free and available on the festival’s website, again on a first come, first served basis. Full details are at festivalofwonder.org.