The circus will still be coming to town, despite fresh social distancing restrictions.

James Richards Circus will be making its first-ever visit to the Rutland Showground in Oakham later this month for what it brands its "Covid Compliant limited capacity production."

The reduced capacity performances start on Wednesday September 23 and run until Sunday September 27.

But following the latest social distancing restrictions that come into effect on Monday, the family-run circus has put out out a statement to say that the show will go on.

The statement said the circus will continue its nationwide tour as it is able to socially distance each booking within the big top.

"Our guidelines require us to limit our capacity to 50%. We have gone beyond this with a reduction to only 100 members of the public. Inside the big top we have 150 seats to allow very easy social distancing as we know each family booking is a different size.

"The one way system within the big top allows easy movement and prevents face to face contact with the public. We will continue to operate with our sidewalls lifted and continue to maintain a very high hygiene standard.

"We have gone above and beyond our industry guidelines and our reviews demonstrate the public appreciation. The new announcement from the prime minister is an alteration of the 30 person gathering limit something our industry was not bound too."

The statement continued: "YES we will be visiting Ripon and Oakham in the coming weeks and we expect too have to add performances to at least one of these venues such is the demand for tickets.

"YES we will be touring up to the October half term subject to venues honouring our bookings. We have had to reschedule or have had bookings cancelled hence why we are making 100 mile journeys every week just to earn a living but "If it was easy everyone would be doing it"

"So please carry on as you are buying tickets. Enjoy the show and keep on clapping. We can do the rest! "

Details about the circus can be found here.