Jaw-dropping tricks by performers dressed in all colours of the rainbow wowed crowds as thousands turned out for the annual Fair in the Square for the first ever circus-themed festival.

Acrobats flew through the air, jugglers impressed and a crowd-pleasing helter skelter all added to a carnival atmosphere at Highgate’s biggest calendar event of the year on Saturday.

It was the first time the fair in South Grove and Pond Square was hosted in partnership with Jacksons Lane arts centre in Archway Road, which is well known for its circus programme.

They hosted a stage in Highgate West Hill to show off incredible circus skills such as hoop diving and feather balancing.

Ham&High editor Geoff Martin joined Camden mayor Cllr Larraine Revah and sponsors on stage to officially open the fair at 12.30pm before the sound of steel drums rang out in a performance by the Hornsey School for Girls Steel Band on the main stage in Pond Square.

Traditional Morris dancers were back for another year to give the festival its renowned rural charm, as was the popular dancing sheep show, featuring a live sheep-shearing demonstration.

Pond Square and South Grove were lined with dozens of stalls hosted by local community organisations, including Lauderdale House and the Highgate Society.

Veronica Day, chairwoman of the fair committee, said: “There was a really happy, family atmosphere. The organising committee who have worked so hard all the way through – it wouldn’t have happened without them.”