Roll up, roll up! An explosive attraction is coming to the circus-themed Bestival at Lulworth Castle this summer.

Organisers say circus and immersive theatre have always been at the heart of the festival – and this year the most colourful show on Earth is raising the high wire to bring audiences a circus-themed spectacular “to blow their minds”.

Celebrating 250 years of a world where only the most courageous and audacious need apply, organisers have revealed that ‘Human Cannonball’ Rodrigo Pérez will be joining the show, among a host of incredible performers, sideshows and curiosities on the Lulworth Estate from August 2-5.

Bestival ‘ringmaster’ Rob da Bank said: “I’m pretty excited about having a Human Cannonball flying across the Lulworth Estate in August. Rodrigo is the best in the business and will not disappoint. Watch your heads!”

The Human Cannonball, Rodrigo Pérez, said: “Firing yourself out of an enormous cannon takes a man of a high calibre. Luckily, I’m a cannonball kind of guy. Come and be amazed as I shoot through the sky, flying over your crazy, smiling faces.”

This week marks the 250th anniversary of Philip Astley’s first circus performance at Westminster Bridge.

Following his family tradition, Rodrigo Pérez is one of the world’s most acclaimed proponents of the art. Fired from the barrel of a custom-built cannon, Rodrigo will fly up to 25 metres through the air.

There are many more delights to be unveiled in the coming weeks including an all-embracing music line-up, jaw-dropping circus feats, bearded ladies, sword swallowers, sideshow shenanigans and more.

Bestival was held at Lulworth Castle for the first time last year after many years on the Isle of Wight. It joined the smaller, family-friendly Camp Bestival in Dorset.

It was announced in October Bestival would be held a month earlier this year “due to popular demand”.

The 2017 line-up included The xx, A Tribe Called Quest, Jamie T, Justice, Dizzee Rascal, Soul II Soul and Pet Shop Boys.