I’ve just spent an amazing afternoon watching the wonderful acts at Zippos Circus. It was especially amazing because the two thoroughly over-excited small boys with me (the youngest and one of his cousins) were so impressed that they actually piped down enough to watch the show. They adored the clever, silly, funny Delbosq clowns, and decided that the Havana Troupe of acrobats should enter the Olympics. But when Hercules, the vast, muscly strong man began his act the boys’ jaws literally dropped and they were silent, entranced. And no wonder: Hercules warmed up by JUGGLING THREE CAR TYRES, as you do. He then dragged a Mercedes van across the ring WITH HIS TEETH, finishing up by lying on his back on the ground while the same van was DRIVEN OVER HIM. It was impressive stuff, and the boys were spellbound.

In fact, the boys liked everything about the show, but particularly enjoyed the motorcycle finale. My sister and I found this act almost unbearable to witness because it seemed so dangerous – which, of course, is why the boys liked it. The act was performed by the Lucius Team and their motorcycle Globe of Death and consisted of two, then three, then four motorbikes being ridden together at speeds of over sixty miles per hour around and around the inside of a metal cage in the shape of a globe. At one point there was also a sequined and feathered lady standing in the cage underneath the circling riders. I felt sick throughout at the thought of us all witnessing a horrible accident, but that’s just me. The boys were thrilled.

The family travel lowdown: Zippos Circus Carnaval is touring the UK until November 2013. Tickets cost from £8 for adults, from £6 for children.