HUNDREDS of jugglers and big top enthusiasts flocked to Eden last week for one of the biggest circus events in the UK.

Held at Appleby Grammar School, Catch! offered workshops, performances and appearances from some of the industry's biggest names.

Founded by Rosie Kelly, who lives in the Appleby, the event drew in international visitors from the USA, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Israel and from all over the UK.

"We would like to thank Appleby Grammar School and the sports hall for letting us hire their spaces, and many people commented on how clean, orderly and ideal for juggling the spaces were," she said. "The location of this event was indeed a treat for many, with our gusts visiting Appleby Castle, and the Remote Cinema schemes "Greatest Showman" event."

Popular shows were RobinDales, "What does stuff do?" a logical look at the universe, humanity, philosophy and juggling and Wes Pedens' solo show "Zebra".

"The final night's star studded Gala Show was a fantastic round off to the event, with our world class jugglers, including Matthew Tiffany, Sakari Mannisto and Kris Kremo," Rosie said.

"Balloon fun before the show starts was a hit with the kids as well as the kids' zone, that saw some never leave as they wanted to put on their own circus show just for kids because they'd learnt so much over the week."

She added that everyone had enjoyed watching the final rounds of 'club combat', a brutal game that saw opponents attempt to knock juggling clubs from each other.