The spirit of the circus will fill a village square with colour, music and jaw-dropping tricks at the biggest event in Highgate’s social calendar - the Fair in the Square.

This year’s festival on Saturday, June 13 from 12.30pm until 5.30pm has a circus theme and will be hosted in partnership with Jacksons Lane arts centre in Archway Road, which is renowned for its circus programme.

The fair – media partner of the Ham&High – will once again see thousands flock to Pond Square to enjoy stalls hosted by local businesses, fair rides, morris dancers, Punch and Judy show, children’s activities and three stages of live music and dance performances.

This year also sees the return of the ever-popular dancing sheep show, which will feature a live sheep-shearing demonstration before the animals dance to music.

Veronica Day, chairwoman of the fair committee, said: “This year’s circus-themed fair promises to be a really special one with the whole community gathering together to create a wonderful day out.” She added: “Highgate is such a lovely place and we want people to see that. We want people to go away and think, I want to come back here.”

Internationally-renowned circus artists will perform juggling, trampoline and balancing acts throughout the afternoon on the new third stage in front of The Flask pub in Highgate West Hill.

For the first time, the festival will also have a helter-skelter in addition to the swings and roundabout rides for children.

Ashlie Nelson, marketing manager of Jacksons Lane, said: “It’s great for us to get out of the building and get beyond our four walls.

“If we inspire more people to get involved in circus, that would be great.”

The fair will open to the sound of steel drums with a performance by the Hornsey School for Girls Steel Band. Other highlights of the stage performances include blues band The Archway Mountain Lightnin’ Boys. St Michael’s Church in South Grove will once again host its popular outdoor cafe and tours of its tower, a sell-out last year,

The fair is looking for about 100 volunteers to help out on the day. Email thefairinthesquare@gmail.com if you are interested.