The magic of the big top and a good old-fashioned seaside tradition have been entertaining families visiting a city shopping centre today.

Families have been enjoying clowning around and learning circus skills with Mr and Mrs Jugglefun at Chapelfield Plain .

Juggling, stilt-walking, spinning plates and the diablo are among the activities taking place and Mr Jugglefun, based near Great Yarmouth, said he had spotted quite a few budding circus performers.

Among the youngsters taking part in the activities today was Maria Scholefield, 10, from Lakenham, who described the circus day as 'really cool' and enjoyed perfecting the art of juggling while having a go on the pedal-go.

Seven-year-old Elliot Jones, from Lakenham and who was learning an impressive trick with hula hoops, said the circus day was really good fun.

Meanwhile Zac Binns, seven and from New Costessey, enjoyed showing off his skills on the diablo to his grandparents Gay and John Hodgson, while his sister Tilly-May Binns, five, had a go on the pedal-go with their mum Gemma Binns.

Close by youngsters have also been having rides on three donkeys - Hulio, Fred and Pancake - who had come to Chapelfield for the day from Scratby Garden Centre.

Among them were Harrisson and Alexander Koko, three and five, and who live in the city centre, and they said they had lots of fun meeting the donkeys.

The circus skills and donkey rides are at Chapelfield Plain until 4pm.

They are part of Chapelfield's programme of free summer entertainment.

Next Saturday's activity is Urban Canvas pavement art, while the movies Toy Story Three and Tangled are showing on the big screen at Chapelfield Plain on August 24 and 31 respectively.

• Are you putting on a special community event? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk