Roll up! Big Kid Circus big top comes to Fisherrow

In London on 9 January 1768, Philip Astley, an entrepreneur, showman and horseman, set up the first ever circus ring where he presented an array of acrobats, strongmen, jugglers, clowns and horse riders.

In doing so he invented the standard 42 ft circus ring, which remains in use to this day.

Of course, since the British invention of the circus, the art form has developed into many forms. There’s traditional, modern, theatrical and developmental shows, and seldom, if ever, will you see animals feature these days.

Circus today is an ever-changing art form stemming from that original common beginning, which means when Big Kid Circus set up their Big Top at Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, later this month, they bring much of that history and tradition with them.

Big Kid Circus is the inspiration of Kiril Kirilov and his wife Bilianna, better known in their performing days as Duo Jordanov.

Also an acclaimed circus manager, Kiril, and choreographer wife Bili, continue a family tradition that spans more than 50 years, with three generations of the family now involved.

The couple’s son Deyvid also worked as a circus performer and ran his own show, Bili Smiles Circus, for three years before returning to Big Kid Circus where he now works alongside his parents and sisters Julie and five-year-old Nicole.

Expect this family to thrill you, make you laugh and best of all, keep you on the edge of your seats.

Big Kid Circus, Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, 23-27 May, various times, £5-£22 (First day all seats £6.99), www.bigkidcircus.co.uk