A circus is heading to Wiltshire this summer holiday with a brand new show themed around Arthurian legends and medieval magic.

Giffords Circus has been a circus company for decades and performs annually on The Common in Marlborough - but this year organisers say the show is like no other visitors will have seen.

Returning to Marlborough from Thursday, August 22 to Monday, September 2, the new show ‘AVALON’ will feature acrobats, clowns, magicians, musicians, jugglers and more.

This will be the last chance for residents to see the show in Wiltshire this year before the circus moves on to travel around other counties.

The show is set in a medieval world of pageantry and Arthurian legend and also includes lavish costumes designed by award-winning performance designer Takis whose work has been featured on the West End.

Giffords Circus also welcomes the return of actor and singer Nell O’Hara, who starred in 2023’s Les Enfants du Paradis, and magician Maximiliano Stia, who previously appeared in 2013’s Lucky 13 and 2015’s Moon Songs.

Nell O’Hara (left) and Maximiliano Stia (right)Actor Nell O’Hara (left) and magician Maximiliano Stia (right) (Image: Andy Payne/Rebecca Reid)

“Giffords Circus is so much more than a circus,” said director Cal McCrystal.

“To come to Giffords is to immerse yourself in another world and escape everyday life for a few blissful hours.

“Our astonishing mix of thrills, skills, adventure, romance, theatrics and hilarity will change all your preconceptions of traditional circus.

“You will fall in love with our travelling world of acrobats, clowns, magicians, jugglers, vintage wagons, and entrancing music.”

Giffords Circus is a family favourite in Marlborough and returns each yearGiffords Circus is a family favourite in Marlborough and returns each year (Image: Newsquest)

Giffords Circus was first established in 2000 by Nell and Toti Gifford and members claim their shows are ‘worthy of London’s West End but in the green fields of the Cotswolds and beyond.’

Co-founder and producer Nell Gifford died four years ago, aged 46, but the village green circus continues to tour England throughout the summer in his honour.

Visitors to the big tent can expect all the tricks and laughter of the circus but with added theatrics and originality, and tickets are now available at giffordscircus.com.

After making its final pitstop in Marlborough, Giffords Circus will go on to finish the 2024 touring season in Stratton Meadows, Cirencester and then end at Fennells Farm in Stroud.