A Norfolk circus that has entertained families across the region for the past decade is to pack away its Big Top for good blaming the rising costs of putting on their shows.

Eastern Daily Press: The last ever performances of Circus Tyanna are currently taking place at Town Green in Diss. Picture: Nick ButcherThe last ever performances of Circus Tyanna are currently taking place at Town Green in Diss. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Family-run Circus Tyanna has announced that their current limited run of performances in Diss will be their final ever shows.

The traditional circus, which features performers from the same family, has this summer been marking its 10th anniversary season, as well as celebrating 250 years of British circus, with performances as far afield as Harleston, Brandon and Bungay.

Circus proprietor and ringmaster Todd Christian performs alongside his wife Claire, as well as son Laken, eight, and his 11-year-old contortionist daughter Tyanna — once the country's youngest high-wire performer when she was just three.

Eastern Daily Press: Knife thrower Todd Christian with his wife Claire Fidelia who have been running Circus Tyanna for 10 years. Picture: Nick ButcherKnife thrower Todd Christian with his wife Claire Fidelia who have been running Circus Tyanna for 10 years. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

They are a familiar sight in Southwold where their Big Top circus, which bills itself as 'a little show with a big heart', has performed regular summer seasons.

Now the costs of touring a traditional show to smaller towns and villages mean they have decided to call it a day.

Mr Christian, who was born into a circus family, said: 'Since we first started we have put 110% into our show. We have strived to provide traditional family entertainment.

Eastern Daily Press: Laken, 8, and Tyanna, 11, who also perform with Circus Tyanna. Picture: Nick ButcherLaken, 8, and Tyanna, 11, who also perform with Circus Tyanna. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

'As every season passes it becomes harder to supply affordable live entertainment. The cost of running a circus no matter how small grows yearly.

'After much consideration we have decided that our 2018 tour will be our last. The curtain will come down for the last time in Diss bringing an end to our family show.'

Mr Christian established Circus Tyanna in 2008 when he bought a Big Top and other circus paraphernalia from the former Circus Ricardo. The touring company was named it in honour of their daughter Tyanna who from a young age asked to be involved in the performances.

Eastern Daily Press: Todd Christian who said Circus Tyanna's current performances in Diss will be their last due to rising costs. Picture: Nick ButcherTodd Christian who said Circus Tyanna's current performances in Diss will be their last due to rising costs. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

It is a sad irony that the family has been forced to end in the year celebrating 250 years of British circus.

'We would like to thank everyone for there support over the last 10 years and for coming to visit a traditional circus,' said Mr Christian. 'It's been a very hard decision to make not only for us but for our children, as our circus is all they have ever known. We hope people will have the chance to see us during our final shows before the curtains close for the last time.'

• Circus Tyanna is at Fair Green in Diss until October 28, 3pm on Wednesday, 6pm on Thursday/Friday, 2pm on Saturday/Sunday. Cash only entry £10 (£9 seniors) and £8 children.