THE BIG top will go up in Silsden again this month as Circus Starr returns to town for two performances on one day.

The circus will be performed on Friday April 26 at 4.45pm and 7pm to audiences of local children in need, on the car boot sale site at Low Woodside Farm.

Circus Starr is a not-for-profit company that allocates £1.37 million worth of free circus tickets every year to children and families in need.

In Silsden up to 1,000 people will be able to watch performers in the “accessible, inclusive and fun” show.

Ringmaster Joel Hatton will present thrilling acts including the Serik Brothers on the Chinese straps, the energetic Athumani Kenyan Warriors, and female clown Andreea.

Circus Starr was created and developed by Philip Gandey after he became a circus director at the age of 17.

The circus is accompanied by an award-winning app called Show and Tell, which helps children with autism prepare for the performance by personalising their own story.

There will be a Changing Places on site provided by Mobiloo, who have adapted a vehicle to offer an adult sized changing bench, a hoist and disabled toilet.

Circus Starr, a community interest company, is able to provide a free circus tickets thanks to donations from local businesses.

Director Michelle Crossley said that every year Circus Starr united those who usually feel excluded inside one starry Big Top.

She said: “A visit to Circus Starr can give a child the rare opportunity to experience the inspiring world of circus in an environment where all of their needs are met.

The community event exists to bring the magical art of circus to children facing various difficulties that they simply don’t deserve – from disabilities to bereavements.

“The atmosphere in our Big Top is warm, friendly and extremely relaxed. Children are encouraged to be themselves – shout out, move around, dance or take time out if they need to.

“We have seen time and time again the positive impact that a visit to our show can have, and it makes us so proud of what we do.”

Visit circus-starr.org.uk for further information.