ROLL up! Roll up! The circus is coming to town.

The Circus of Horrors is returning to Weymouth Pavilion next month with two rock and roll shows, packed with sword swallowers, aerialists hanging from their hair and teeth, whirlwind jugglers and human pin cushions.

The circus crew will run one family friendly matinee show and one evening show suitable for adults.

The Circus of Horrors held its first performance at Glastonbury Festival in 1995 and, after having to cancel the majority of their shows during its 25th year, the performers are 'itching' to get back to work.

Dr Haze, the undead ringmaster and creator of the Circus of Horrors - also known as John - said: "The entertainment industry has been hit so hard by the pandemic. We had so many sold out shows scheduled, including Glastonbury and Download festivals, which all had to be cancelled which was really tough for all the performers.

"The Circus of Horrors are itching to get back to what they know best, producing the best rip roaring sensational entertainment. It has been far too long but the flicker at the end of the tunnel is turning into an inferno and we are ready."

Dr Haze added: "We love coming to Weymouth, it is such a beautiful part of the world and we have a great relationship with Phil Say, the general manager of Weymouth Pavilion."

The Circus of Horrors has been performing at Weymouth Pavilion for the past eight years and pavilion bosses are excited to welcome them back.

Phil said: "The Circus of Horrors is unique - there is no other word for it. I am really excited for the circus to return. As always, Dr Haze and his guys will do us proud."

Weymouth Pavilion has been closed since December 30 when the Dorset Council area was plunged into Tier 3 lockdown restrictions. Phil is pleased to see that ticket sales for upcoming shows at the venue, which has been used as a mass vaccination clinic during the pandemic, have been good.

He said: "The ticket sales for our upcoming shows, including the circus, have been really good. There might even be some people who will come and watch one of our shows who got their Covid vaccine in our Ocean Room which is a lovely thought."

For more information on upcoming shows at Weymouth Pavilion, visit weymouthpavilion.com/