ONE of the UK’s biggest and most popular circuses is looking at returning to Winsford in 2019.

Zippos Circus entertained the crowds at Verdin Exchange Park from Thursday to Sunday.

They were delighted with the welcome they received from the townspeople and the town council, which organised the event.

Last year’s town mayor Cllr Steve Smith was instrumental in persuading the circus to come to Winsford, and said it was a ‘coup’ for Zippos to perform in the town.

Zippos veteran ringmaster is Norman Barrett, MBE, who has worked for the circus for 16 years and has made many appearances on television.

“I had been trying to get them to come to Winsford since 2015, as they are one of the biggest and best circuses in the UK,” said Cllr Smith.

“I wanted the circus because of its size but also because of its exceptional quality.

“The circus said to me that looking at the current run and how it has worked out they are looking at coming back to Winsford in 2019.

“I told them that was wonderful – it was an absolute coup for Winsford to get them.

“They told me they were very grateful for the warm welcome they received from the town council and the people of Winsford.

“I imagine they are looking at returning because of the welcome and the number of people who attended the shows.”

Cllr Smith explained to town councillors the circus’ animal welfare standards in relation to the horses which perform.

“Some councils have a ban on circuses using wild animals, but the horses which feature in Zippos Circus are domestic animals, and the circus has an excellent reputation for animal welfare,” said Cllr Smith.

Town Mayor Cllr Mike Kennedy said: “I attended the circus on Friday with a representation from the town council.

“What a fantastic evening of entertainment, with plenty of thrills - to have such a large circus visit the town is an achievement.

“The founder and director Martin Burton was keen to hear about the plans for Winsford with regard to expansion and development.

“It was a pleasure to meet the ringmaster Norman Barrett, a true veteran of the Big Ring.

“As I did not have the mayoral chain with me it was fun to be presented with a medallion attached to a ribbon of Zippo’s Circus.”