ROLL up! Roll up! Roll up! The circus has come to town.

But not just any old circus has arrived at Heaton Park - this is the world famous Moscow State Circus.

The Big Top opened for the first time on Tuesday to welcome young and old alike.

And there was a familiar face among the acts, in the form of Ramsbottom clown Gareth Ellis, better known as Bippo.

The nine-year-old is appearing with the circus for the second time.

The internationally acclaimed circus boasts everything from acrobats, high wire acts and contortionists to jugglers and clowns.

The collapse of the Soviet empire very nearly spelled the end of the circus, but worldwide tours have proved so successful that it is now more respected than? ever.

And fans can enjoy themselves with a clear conscience because there are no animal acts in this cruelty-free spectacular.

The circus runs until June 14. Show times are 5pm and 8pm weekdays and 2pm and 5pm at weekends.

There are no shows on Mondays. For details call 0421 565557/8/9

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