Acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, and of course, the big top… they're all in town from this weekend as part of Circus Aotearoa.

For the next ten days, Simpson Reserve in Papamoa will host the circus, as they provide daytime and evening entertainment for the whole family.

Ringmaster Damian Gordon says it's great to be back in town.

'This is our ninth year of touring. It takes us about three years to get around the whole country. We've got performers from all over the place, but we have our winter quarters in Raglan.”

He says their circus is all human-based, so there are no animal acts.

'We've got aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, clowns, all that sort of stuff. We've got mostly Australians on the team this year, plus one American and some Kiwis. It changes year to year though.”

The circus is on the road for six months of the year, mostly over summer. For Damian it can sometimes be hard, as his wife and daughter are back in Raglan. But he says his wife was a performer herself, so she understands.

'Once it gets in your blood, it's hard to stop,” says Damian.

Naturally, living life on the road means all the performers get to know one each other well.

'We all share meals together and live in different caravans, so after a couple weeks we're like a big family. It's a really strong community feel.”

Time also tends to move differently.

'We don't have days of the week – just moving day, tent-up day, and show day,” he laughs.

He believes Circus Aotearoa's strength lies in its intimacy and the personalities of its performers.

'It's a real intimate show – you buy candyfloss or tickets off somebody, and the next minute you see them in the ring performing.”

For those who've never been to a circus before, Damian suggests coming along without any preconceptions.

'Have some fun, enjoy yourself, and bring some family. It's really family-oriented. One of the best things is looking out and seeing three or four generations of the same family enjoying a show.”

To find out times or make bookings, visit their website.