ROLL-UP, roll-up for the greatest show in town as Festival Oldham returns with some big top fun to the town centre.

The borough’s annual free celebration of art, entertainment and street theatre embraces Circus250, a national celebration marking 250 years of circus.

On Saturday, May 26, the event will honour the borough’s rich history of circus performances, from 11am to 4pm in Parliament Square, Oldham Parish Church and Gallery Oldham.

The Coliseum Theatre actually began life in 1885 as the Grand American Circus and Hippodrome and to mark Oldham’s clowning about, the town will be welcoming more than 100 of the very best circus, variety and music performers.

Be amazed by the unusual, bizarre and unbelievable feats of Doctor Diablo’s Sideshow – including fire-eating, escapology and contortionism.

Circus Sensible and their beautiful blue and yellow big tops will transform the parish church yard into the The Circus Gardens. This is your chance to watch spectacular performers from around the world and have a go at juggling, stilt walking, plate spinning and much more.

Circus elephants, Hessi and Kalli, will be exploring Parliament Square, as the loveable - and cheeky - elephant sisters make new friends and get up to mischief.

A beautiful giant lion will be prowling the streets accompanied by her assistant.

Entertainment in Oldham will be reaching new heights with the larger-than-life circus ringmaster and the amazing aerial acrobatics of Circus Vee at Gallery Oldham. Also look out for Tiddles the circus tiger - the new Oldham Theatre Workshop street theatre show.

Cllr Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhood and co-operatives, said: “Festival Oldham is always a real crowd-pleaser and one of the highlights of our events calendar.

“It attracts a huge crowd every year and this year’s circus theme promises to be something really special. We look forward to welcoming people to this spectacular, free event.”

For more information go to visitoldham.com or call 0161-770 3070.

You can share your images from the weekend on social media using the hashtag #LoveOldham.