Circus rolls up to north coast for the very first time

Be Active Circus Joseph Ashton will be in Butler from August 19 to September 15, featuring its wheel of death, flying trapeze, and acrobats.

The family-run circus will pitch its traditional big top tent on the corner of Lukin and Connolly drives, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The circus started more than 15 years ago when Joseph Ashton decided to leave his family’s circus and, with wife Michelle and young sons Jordan and Merrik, embark on a mission to create a new circus in a traditional style. By 2001 the show was supporting itself, performing 46 weeks of the year.

‘We have been a family of acrobats, bareback riders, animal trainers, clowns and trapeze artists for over seven generations,’ Mr Ashton said.

Satterley Property Group’s Brighton Estate community development co-ordinator Amy Blundell said the two-hour shows delivered old-fashioned, family fun.

The circus also features 12-year-old Dante, the youngest flying trapeze star in Australia, Jordan performing a triple somersault on the flying trapeze and animal trainer Zelie Bullen and her horses.