Roll up to see circus of fun...

CLOWNING around, Daniel on stilts and clowns Kevin and Angelo

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PREPARE to be awed and amazed as the circus rolls in to town.

The fun kicked off on Tuesday when Oldham Athletic's SportsDirect.com Park hosted the international cast of more than 30 performers from The Netherlands National Circus.

Though they are returning to the UK for a second consecutive year, this is the first time they will be coming to Oldham to entertain families until Sunday.

And don't let the bad weather dampen your spirits because the large tent has indoor heating throughout the two-hour performance.

Alex Morley, who is managing the show, said: "It's really breathtaking stuff. People think the circus is just for children but it's not. There's something for everybody. Just don't miss it. It's not every day the circus comes in to town."

Making their UK debut, award-winning performers Duo Extreme will be flying though the air inside the big top as they showcase their skills as aerial performers. In this unique act another dimension is added as they execute their act suspended over a tank filled with water; at times they will be lowered or even dropped into the water.

The Jackson family will keep you on the edge of your seats as they combine traditional circus acrobatics with a modern twist, performing with their incredible display of daring acrobats on bicycles and unicycles.

Ringmaster Daniel Ligthart, 38, from the Netherlands, has been in the circus for 21 years and he will be keeping the crowds entertained with his comic antics.

"I wanted to be in the circus when I was a kid but I never thought I would get to do it," he explained. "Everybody here has the same lifestyle. I enjoy it ­- I have to enjoy what I do otherwise I wouldn't be able to do it properly.

"It used to be a hobby. The only bad thing is when it becomes your job you lose your hobby. So now I'm looking for a hobby! I'm sure professional footballers have the same problem."

For some people the circus can be a family affair. For Angelo Chaves, a clown from Portugal, that is literally the case. His son Kevin is just 17 and is already following in his father's footsteps, as Angelo did before him, and his two sisters work as acrobats.

Angelo, 47, said: "I've been doing this all my life. When I was young I started learning with my father, who was also a clown. This is our life, it's in our blood. We like being free. We do what we want. We stick to a schedule for the acts but after that we're free. Like chickens!

"Then we stop and go home to Portugal for 20 days and then start again. We're always travelling around so we meet different people."

The shows start take place at 4.45pm and 7.30pm from today until Saturday, with an extra performance at 2pm on Saturday. On Sunday the shows are at 12pm and at 3pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the Box office or online from thenetherlandscircus.com.

Alternatively you can call 0113 260 2444.