Circus fans are in for a treat when Zippos Circus comes to

Oxford this week. Customers can decide how much they want to pay for their tickets for the performance on Friday, March 23.

There is no recommended minimum admission charge under this scheme. Customers place their bids through UK based promotions company, BOS Performance, for a chance to make a considerable saving off the full ticket price.

The world-famous Zippo's Circus will be at South Park, Oxford complete with clowns, horses, acrobats and a new ringmaster.

The circus's new programme for 2001 includes the Kilimanjaro Acrobats from Tanzania, who are making their first appearance in the UK.

A group of seven comedy acrobats from the Ukraine ride an over-sized bicycle.

And, of course, Zippo the clown himself will also be entertaining the crowd. He is played by Martin Burton, who created the character 29 years ago and formed the circus in 1985.

Zippo's Circus will be in Oxford from Tuesday, March 20, until Sunday, March 25.

To make a 'pay what you like bid' for tickets, call BOS on (07967 724453).

BOS advises people to ring early to secure their seats.

To buy full-price tickets, call (07050 121416) or (07050 131517). You may book by card between 9am and 5pm.

Book tickets online by visiting the circus's website www.zipposcircus.co.uk

Or you can pay on the day at the circus entrance. It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before the show.