Zirka Circus ready to open Hawke's Bay season

Circus acrobats in front of the Zirka Circus big top going up at the Havelock North village reserve. Photo / Warren Buckland

Acrobats, clowns and jugglers have taken over the Havelock North Domain with Zirka Circus set to wow audiences from tomorrow.

The Hamilton based crew are bringing their newest show 'Send in the Clowns' to the Bay on their fifth tour of the country.

The show will feature never seen before acrobatics, "hilarious" clowns, unique illusionists, contortion and some daredevil acts.

Zirka Circus juggler Victor Li said he was very excited to get out into the ring to perform his tricks after finishing their show in Lower Hutt at the end of last month.

Mr Li started juggling when he was just 15 after falling in love with everything about the circus.

"When I went and saw the juggling I thought it was very cool. I couldn't back flip so decided to stick with juggling."

Since then Mr Li toured China before moving out to New Zealand and joining Zirka Circus.

He trains for five hours a day and every two years the show gets changed so new skills and tricks have to be learnt.

The show is run by the Chinese, which Mr Li said gave them a unique difference.

"There is some Chinese inspiration and this comes through in the acts."

The crew arrived on Monday night and were in the process of setting up yesterday ahead of their first show tomorrow.

'Send in the Clowns' will run through to Sunday evening before moving on to Napier next week.

The circus will run in Napier from next Thursday through to Sunday, September 3.

Zirka Circus has been touring New Zealand for more than nine years and remains a family-friendly and animal free circus.

For more information visit: www.zirkacircus.com/home and to buy tickets visit: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/zirka-circus/Havelock-north or the box office at the Havelock North Domain.