Billy Smart’s big top circus is coming to Leg o'Mutton Field for what promises to be Cobham’s most talked about event of the year.

Touted as Britain’s greatest circus, Billy Smart’s is one of the biggest travelling shows to have ever toured the UK.

Sammy Little, a circus worker who grew up in and around circuses, said: “It’s a spectacular show this year. From the first act to the last act you can hear the audience awing and ahhing.”

There are no animals these days but an international cast promises to dazzle, amaze and amuse.

Ms Little said: “It’s more modern now it’s more 2013. Billy Smart’s is a benchmark so people really come to see the old Billy Smart’s circus. But it’s also for young people that don’t know anything about Billy Smart’s who come to see a spectacular show.”

The circus features an acrobatic troupe, a flying trapeze and a not to be missed hand balancing act.

In the ultimate test of strength and dexterity performer Desirée fires a bow and arrow with her feet while balancing on her hands.

Billy Smart’s became a household name appearing in numerous BBC Christmas specials and even performed for the Queen’s jubilee in Windsor Park in 1977.

Ms Little describes herself as a jack-of-all-trades helping sell raffle tickets and also operating lights during shows. At other times she can be found in the box office and will lend a helping hand when the big top comes down at the end of a run.

She said: “It’s like one big family. Everyone has to pitch in, staff performers, everyone.

“The circus is always magical. Even if people are in hard times the circus always stays magical.”

Billy Smart’s Circus; Leg of Mutton field, Cobham; July 22 to 24, Monday 7pm, Tuesday 4.45pm and 7.30pm, Wednesday 4.45pm; £10 to £24; visit billy-smarts-circus.co.uk.