THE Christmas Spectacular at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus has broken box office records with more people than ever packing into the century-old building to see the winter extravaganza.

THE Christmas Spectacular at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus has broken box office records with more people than ever packing into the century-old building to see the winter extravaganza.

Show producer Peter Jay said bookings were 20pc up on last year with several sell-out performances.

The eighth annual Christmas show which ran from December 13 and finished on Sunday boasted many top circus acts including fire breathers and aerial artists from Russian troupe Equilibrium and gravity defying stunt acrobats the Kenyan Chiefs

“Given the current economic climate, I'm really pleased. With the recession I think people have just thought 'let's enjoy ourselves' and have brought the family for a night out and to get away from the doom and gloom,” said Mr Jay.

“We are hoping this will help British holidays and this is a good opportunity for Yarmouth to score,” he added.

Son Jack made his debut as ringmaster.

Mr Jay also said the show had drawn people from outside the county, some travelling from Essex and Cambridge.

He hopes to build on the success for the summer show which begins in July.

Meanwhile, the Hippodrome is preparing to greet what is believed to be its first royal visitor in its 105-year history.

The Duke of Kent will be attending the second in a series of classical music concerts at the venue on February 4 to see world renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber play alongside the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr Jay added the variety of events being staged at the Hippodrome could only increase its popularity as a top venue to see performances.

“We're hoping people who come to the opera will return to see the circus.”