A CIRCUS due to wow crowds in a Hampshire village for the first time in 20 years has been forced to cancel due to the dismal weather.

Up to 1,000 people were looking forward to Jay Millers Circus at North Baddesley Recreation Ground tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday.

The popular circus act has had to cancel because council officials said the ground was just too soggy.

Our competition winners and other people who already have tickets will be able to join the circus elsewhere on its tour, organisers said.

It is the first time this year the company, which first started in 1987, has been forced to cancel an event due to the soggy summer the country is experiencing.

The big top was due to go up on the ground in the village for performances at 6pm Monday, 5pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday and 4.30pm on Wednesday but the decision to cancel was taken over the weekend following a site visit. Each performance has a capacity of up to 350 people.

Ringmaster Ross Farrer, said: “The ground was very soft and the council were concerned hosting the event would cause damage to the field. We would rather do it this way around and make it more comfortable for the audience. Nobody wants to walk around in a mudbath.

“We are really disappointed to have to cancel the event and anyone with tickets will be able to see us somewhere else. We are hoping to come back to North Baddesley when it dries up.”

For more information call the circus box office on 07976 655180.