VISITORS to the County Museum will be treated to all the fun of the circus this weekend.

A Circus Skills with Xplosion event will be held in the museum's grounds, at Hartlebury Castle, from 11am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

It is free to attend (normal museum admission charges apply) and people of all ages will be able to take part in circus workshops where they can learn skills including juggling, stilt walking and balloon tying.

Children will also be able to look the part and have their faces painted like clowns and make their own hats.

A mini double-decker bus will also be available to give young visitors rides around the site and there will be demonstrations, including a display by Stourport's Will Stevens, who is the British unicycle champion.

Museum administration assistant, Rachael Gennard, said it was hoped a lot of visitors would be attracted, adding: "It is the first event like this we have held. We have never done a circus event before so it should be good."

Event organiser, Steve Smith, said: "I am hoping it is going to be a really good event and something we can build on, year on year.

"Next year, we're hoping to have a medieval circus event."

The weekend is part of a packed programme of events the museum has organised since it reopened in July.

Future activities include a music workshop on the weekend of Saturday, November 19.

Visitors will be able to listen to different types of music and children can have a go at making their own instruments, as well as joining in "have a go" singing and instrumental workshops.

In December, there will be three weekends of Christmas events, beginning on Saturday, December 3, which will include a display by the Waseley Hills Craft Group, carolling choirs, children's craft activities and a visit from Father Christmas.

Children arriving at the circus skills event in clown costumes will be admitted to the museum free of charge.

For further information, contact the museum on 01299 250416.