Roll up for fun in Big Top

Circus Aotearoa performer Lucky McDermott will be entertaining crowds at William Fraser Memorial Park, Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

Beneath a colourful tent on Riverside Drive, circus performers from around New Zealand are ready to entertain crowds.

Jugglers, trapeze, acrobats and aerial stars will perform as part of the intimate, family-friendly Circus Aotearoa.

Circus Aotearoa is the only Kiwi-owned and operated touring circus and, after a string of performances in the Far North, now has 10 shows in Whangarei, starting tonight.

The Raglan-based circus is animal-free and full of young performers from around the country.

Ringmaster Damian Gordon says that by the end of the night the audience feel like they know the performers.

"We serve your popcorn and everything, you'll all know our names and shake our hands before you leave," he said.

The 90-minute performance features traditional clowning and magic tricks, as well as breathtaking aerial hoops and exciting acrobatics.

Tickets for the shows at William Fraser Memorial Park, Whangarei start at $13 for children and $18 for adults, with youngsters 3 years and younger free. It is recommended buying your tickets early or booking at www.circusaotearoa.co.nz for the more popular sessions.