WITH the "big top" up in preparation for the Mullum Circus Festival on September 25-27, locals can again become lost in those dreams of running away to the circus.

The big top is one of many stages hosting shows over the festival weekend. It will be joined by the flying trapeze, The Pitts Top and a transformation of the showground sheds to become cabaret and circus venues.

The glorious fig trees will be the setting for the Spaghetti Circus' showing of new work The Borogroves.

Festival co-producer and Spaghetti Circus manager Alice Cadwell said putting up the big top was one of the best bits of the circus.

"We are the first people to arrive when it's just a field; we work all day as a team to achieve the same goal.

"But once up, it's more than a touring venue - it's a place where dreams are made real. The tent was designed and made in Italy, and we are very lucky to have it here in Mullumbimby."

Using nature as another venue, the Borogroves show will take place in and around the fig trees at the showgrounds.

This thrilling adventure into the first two verses of the Lewis Carroll poem, The Jabberwocky - using re-imagined circus apparatus and elements inspired by French punk circus Archaos and Dutch company, Dogtroep - will involve more than 30 Spaghetti Circus emerging artists.

"High-calibre local artists and guest artist David Clarkson from Stalker Stilt Theatre have created this first of a three-stage development with funding from Arts NSW Regional Theatre Project," Ms Cadwell said.

Spaghetti Circus creative director Simone O'Brien said it was thrilling to work with a team of 40 artists from five to 55 years old to present The Borogroves at the festival.

"With this local premiere and headline acts arriving fresh from international tours, the Mullum Circus Festival is a feast for the heart and soul, not to be missed," she said.

ROLL UP!

What: The Mullum Circus Festival

When: September 25-27

Where: Mullumbimby Showgrounds

More info: mullumcircusfest.com