Britain’s most famous circus is coming to Wanstead, and the grandson of the man who founded it says it is bigger and better than ever.

Billy Smart’s circus has been touring the country since 1946, but the famous big top hasn’t been seen on Wanstead Flats since 2008.

All that will change from May 1 when the 1200 seater tent goes up for six days of family fun.

Once famed for its performing elephants, camels and horses, the circus no longer uses animals.

Billy’s grandson, Gary Smart, 58, said: “My granddad used to lead a parade of elephants into town to let everyone know the circus was coming.

“He loved the animals, especially the horses. We used to have a special British Rail train for them.

“But we have moved on as a society and there are very few circuses with animals now – it just isn’t socially acceptable anymore.”

What the circus does have is an impressive array of human talent, including acrobats, clowns and a woman who fires a bow and arrow with her feet.

“She’s very good,” said Gary. “The acrobats are amazing as well. We have some brilliant Australian performers including one chap who gave up life as an accountant to take to the trapeze.”

In its heyday, Smart’s Circus had its own TV show which drew audiences of up to 20 million.

Gary said: “My grandfather was a clever man. A lot of circus people thought TV would spell the end of live circus, but he saw it as an opportunity and did everything he could to embrace television.

“Now of course children are plugged into their computers, iPhones and iPads.

“But I would say to parents ‘This is live entertainment like you’ve never seen’

“To watch the performers up close and enjoy all the thrills and spills of a real circus is something that never fails to delight children.

“You see it, you hear it and you smell it. You cannot beat the circus.”

To book tickets for the circus visit http://www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk/