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Zippos Circus coming to Jackson's Fields, Rochester

Zippos Circus is back in town - after 23 years.

It promises to be bigger and better than ever since last enthralling the crowds at the Dickens Festival in Rochester Castle Gardens in the 1990s.

Artis Curtis Tappenden with his circus poster. (18303973)
Artis Curtis Tappenden with his circus poster. (18303973)

The famous travelling show featuring international artistes will be at Jackson’s Fields in Rochester from Tuesday until Sunday, October 13.

At the helm of the jaw-dropping extravaganza is Norman Barrett, hailed as “the world’s greatest ringmaster”.

The legendary Barrett has worked with Zippos for the past 21 years and, at the age of 84 in his traditional red tailcoat and top hat role, is key to the proceedings.

In a dazzling array of non-stop acts, audiences can expect to be grabbing their seats as five motorbikes ride the “globe of death” at 60mph.

Springboard acrobatics will be performed by the Cuban Revolution troupe.

Luna Zsigo will host a Explore and Draw class during the Sunday performance.
Luna Zsigo will host a Explore and Draw class during the Sunday performance.

Zippos, which was started by Martin Zippos Burton, is currently on the Magnificent Top Hat nationwide tour.

Mr Burton said: “It’s been a long time and we are delighted to be back to entertain the Medway Towns with our breathtaking show.”

To celebrate the return, prominent community artists Curtis Tappenden and Luna Zsigo - whose circus drawings were recently acquired for the nation by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London - will be capturing several moments in art form.

Curtis, a senior lecturer at the University for the Creative Arts who grew up in Medway, was commissioned to create this year’s celebratory poster.

Curtis will be teaching live ringside drawing skills to his further education graphic design students and his drawings will be exhibited in the Big Top foyer throughout the week.

Luna will be holding her Explore and Draw class during the Sunday performance.

The shows are on Tuesday, October 8, 7.30pm only, then Wednesday, October 9 to Friday, October 11 at 5pm and 7.30pm.

On Saturday, October 12, shows are at 3pm and 6pm, and on Sunday, October 13, they are at noon and 3pm.

Book on 0871 210 2100, online, or at the on-site box office from Monday. Tickets cost £7.50.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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