The Wonder Circus returns to Peterborough in first embankment event since lockdown

The circus, which has been coming to Peterborough for the last seven years, has been given council approval and will run from Friday (September 11) to next Sunday (September 20).

The big top is already in the process of being erected on the embankment, with the circus getting ready to showcase its range of international performers, trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers and other classic circus skills.

The performers have been in their own social bubble as they have spent the last five weeks on a summer season in Skegness.

This is just one of the precautions that have been put in place to ensure that the show is Covid safe.

There will be a bigger big top this year, to allow for social distancing between seats. Groups are permitted to sit together, however, the new government guidance means that the size of any groups sitting together must be limited to six.

Visitors have been advised to pre-book their tickets to make the process of allocating seats run smoother.

Staff will all be wearing masks and catering units will be fitted with perspex screens. Track and trace will also be in place for those entering the big top.

Organisers are also offering a series of special discounts to visitors, these are:

Friday September 11 and 18 - All seats are £6.50

Saturday 12 and 19 - One free child per paying adult, additional child seats are just £6

Sunday 13 and 20 - All seats are £7

Monday 14 - Back to school specials, children £2, adults £12

Tuesday 15 - Half price adult tickets, children £9

Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 - Go out to help out special, 50% off your total ticket bill, children £9, adults £12

All weekday performances begin at 4:45pm and 7:30pm, with weekend showings at 2pm and 6pm. On the final Sunday, there will be just one performance at 2pm.

Visitors are advised to arrive 45 minutes prior to each showing to allow everyone to be seated safely.

The circus is a family run operation, with strong links to Peterborough. Organiser Carolyn Roberts comes from a long line of circus performers and her sister Jana is in the current show, while her parents, Tonia and John, along with brother John Boy are on hand behind the scenes.

Both of her children, Elvis (4) and Lola (7), were born at the city hospital and the family also own A & J Big Top Hire Ltd, based on Oxney Road, the biggest tent hire service in Europe.

She said: “We love coming here, it’s very personal to us and we’re happy we are able to do so this year.

“It’s been a hard time recently with no government funding for the entertainment industry but it’s lovely for us to be able to provide this for the people in Peterborough as unfortunately, other events have been cancelled and the theatres remain closed.

All the arrangements have been thoroughly thought out and planned and we have worked closely with the council to create a safe environment.”

Anyone wishing to book tickets can visit the ticket office on the embankment, it is open 10am-8pm daily or can call the hotline on 07719877422.