These fantastic photos celebrate the circus coming to Leeds down the decades. They feature publicity shots as well as images of the big top which are sure to evoke memories for a generation of circus fans. They are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of Leeds Civic Trust who stimulate interest in and care for the history and character of the city. Others are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service, which collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region dating from the 12th century to the present day - more than 800 years of local history. It also runs Catablogue, an online blog dedicated to preserving the past, serving the present and protecting the future. READ MORE: The rocky road that took Leeds more than four decades to finish LOVE LEEDS LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Circus memories
Bertram Mills Circus from above Rampart Road at Woodhouse Moor with lots of people watching the festivities. In the middle is visible M Ambrose & Sons, Ice Cream Dealer's van. PIC: Leeds Civic Trust | Leeds Civic Trust Photo: Leeds Civic Trust
8. Circus memories
YEP snapper Laurie Mercer took this dramatically lit photo during a performance at Billy Smart's Circus on Woodhouse Moor in August 1960. | Laurie Mercer Photo: Laurie Mercer
9. Circus memories
Father and son Andrei and Andrei Jnr from The Moscow State Circus perform balancing acts on Woodhouse Moor in May 2001. | Emma Nichols Photo: Emma Nichols
10. Circus memories
Children from Leeds Children's Circus visited the Netherlands Circus who were entertaining crowds of youngsters on Woodhouse Moor in March 2000. Pictured is David Vassallo from the Netherlands Circus with Laura Green. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
11. Circus memories
Members of the Chinese State Circus perform their rock breaking act at Little London in May 2002. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
12. Circus memories
Michelle Northwood performing at Cottrell and Austin Circus as a fire eater on Woodhouse Moor in April 2003. She was a former pupil at Notre Dame School in Leeds. | Gary Longbottom Photo: Gary Longbottom