With record numbers attending Great Yarmouth Hippodrome's Christmas circus, owner Peter Jay has unveiled exciting plans for the historic venue during the coming year.

The Christmas spectacular and water show has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2001 and advance bookings have already put it on track to beat all previous success before the extended run ends on January 12.

Now Mr Jay plans to increase the use of the Hippodrome, reaching the end of its 110th anniversary year, by introducing new Easter and Halloween shows.

He said: 'My ambition is to extend the season in Yarmouth to something more like it used to be; we have already added extra weeks at the end of our summer show and next year we might even extend the run to the middle of September.'

The new Easter production is being billed as a 'live, action pirate show' for which a colourful galleon and set will be built by Gorleston firm 3D Creations. A pirate script is being written by Peter's son Jack and actors will be joined by circus aerial artists and acrobats; the water feature will also come into use. Mr Jay said the Hippodrome would have a pirate theme for the two-and-a-half week show which will replace the shorter run of the Circus Hilarious which has toured over Easter in recent years.

A Halloween 'Spook-tacular' is being planned for the October week running up to Halloween and Mr Jay said the Hippodrome would provide the perfect spooky atmosphere.

He said: 'We are also looking at bringing in other shows; the Circus of Horrors is coming in March.'

Spectators have been enthralled by this year's Christmas show, which blends the talents of youngsters from the Hippodrome-based Dance Estelle and Circus Chermond in Norwich with seasoned circus professionals from around the globe.

The fast-moving show includes a breathtaking display by rola rola expert Sasha Williams, soaring aerials by Robert Foxall, acrobatics from the African Warriors and a solo trapeze act from Eric McGill.