THE Chinese State Circus make their third visit to The Lowry from 24- 27 February, with 30 brand new acrobats from the Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe, most of whom have never been seen in the UK before.

The 2005 Chinese State Circus spectacular features an overcrowded bicycle ridden by 14 girls simultaneously, a teetering tower of chairs with 7 performers balanced on top, back flipping acrobats balancing head to head whilst spinning plates, knotted contortionists, a succession of gymnasts catapulted from springboards and spiralling into the air, a breathtaking pole jumping routine, huge dancing diablos and of course an extravagant, costumed performance of the Lion Dance.

The troupe are led by English speaking guru and trainer Mr Tian Run Min and the unique production has won a whole host of national & international awards, including top honours in Monte Carlo and Moscow.

The Chinese State Circus has produced a staggering 128,000,000 performances in its 2,500-year history, most a long way from home, Tiajin, 120km south east of Beijing. Tiajin is known as "the diamond of the Bohai Gulf", means "the place where the emporer crossed the river" and is believed to be the birthplace of civilisation.

With a great mix of familiar acts (including the great Lion Dance) and daringly different spectacles, this is a circus not to be missed.

Tickets priced £8-£20 are available from The Lowry box office on 0870 7875793.