TINY tots had a taste of circus thrills and spills thanks to a Caithness arts venue.

Almost 60 babies, up to 18 months of age, had their first circus experience at Lyth Arts Centre.

One dad commented how the Little Top event was "amazing, mesmerising and inspiring".

The purpose-built mini-circus played out to full houses on a Friday and Saturday with mums, dads and a gaggle of giggling tots. Produced by one of Scotland’s leading children’s performance companies, Starcatchers, the piece was created by Kim Donohoe and award-winning artist Ellie Dubois.

Ellie had visited Lyth before, bringing her circus piece No Show to the arts centre in 2018.

The tots were given a chance to experience circus skills such as balances, tumbles and juggling. The specially designed set miniaturised the magic of the Big Top, taking over the whole of the Lyth theatre space.

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There were three performances, two of which were sold out to excited children and their families and friends.

Lyth co-director Charlotte Mountford said: "It’s brilliant to be able to bring work specially designed for early years audiences to Lyth. To be able to give a baby their first ever live performance experience is truly magical.

"We want to continue to do more and keep welcoming families to Lyth Arts Centre."

The next event at Lyth for early years will be Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Big Ears, Little Ears on Saturday, June 15. This live music experience gives parents and carers the chance to relax and enjoy performances up close in a relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere.

For more information visit www.lytharts.org.uk or call 01955 641434.

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