A SELF-DUBBED Circus with a Purpose will be hosting a big pop show in Swindon in support of Wiltshire Air Ambulance next weekend.

Circus Starr will feature world-class acrobats, clowns, entertainers, trapeze artists, aerialists, illusionists and dancers and will take place at 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, October 13, at Lydiard Park.

The circus is an independent charitable organisation that operates a unique donated ticket programme enabling thousands of children to enjoy the magic of circus free of charge thanks to the support of local businesses who, in turn, enjoy the opportunity to ‘give back’ to their communities.

It was founded in 1987 to raise funds for local charities while providing seats for thousands of disadvantaged or disabled children.

With the generous support of Swindon businesses from across the region, more than 1,000 children from local charities and community groups will be going to the circus with their families.

Neville Wilson, director of Circus Starr, said: “We are always stunned by the fantastic support we receive from Swindon businesses and the warm welcome we are given from the entire community each year.

“We know from 30 years of successful touring how a trip to the circus can have a positive and sometimes even life-changing impact on many children and we are very grateful for this generous support.”

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance can be at an incident with-in 11 minutes.

Golden Hour is used to describe the hour directly after an incident has taken place. It is imperative that the injured party receive medical attention within this hour to minimize the risk of life-changing injuries or, in some cases, death.

The charity has to raise more than £2.5 million a year to cover running costs, equivalent to £6,850 a day or – over a 19-hour day – £360 per hour.

Any charity supporting children, young people, health or social welfare that wishes to nominate themselves to be Circus Starr’s charity of the year should email applications@circus-starr.org.uk for further information.