SPECTACULAR circus performances were given by pupils at a Basingstoke school.

Pupils took on the roles of lions, clowns, tightrope walkers and even a cannonball man for the shows at St Marks CE Primary School, in Danebury Road, Hatch Warren, which were a farewell for Year 6 pupils and a fundraiser for creative projects.

More than 500 people turned up for the displays, which featured pupils from Years 3 to 6, as well as props made by pupils in those years.

To add to the circus atmosphere, live music, funfair-type stalls, candy floss, toffee apples and popcorn grabbed the attention of parents before the shows.

Mark Halls, a Year 5 teacher and member of the school’s creative team, said: “There were so many people who came to watch and there was a real buzz throughout.

“Before the show, people were taking part in games and a violinist and accordion player were busking.

“During the show, the crowd were going wild, cheering and whistling and the atmosphere was really exciting.

“Some of the staff said it was the best performance at the school. It was also a nice farewell for the Year 6 pupils and any profits will go back to putting on creative events at the school.”