AN adults-only circus - which comes with a warning about the "filth and flesh" on show - is set to descend on East Lancashire.

Cirque du Vulgar might not boast the traditional clowns and acrobats beloved of your usual big tops.

But when their touring show hits Nelson, on March 2, the audience will be treated to a maverick fire-eater, sexy strong men and dominatrix galore.

Promoter Rosie Clarke said: "You've never seen anything like Cirque du Vulgar before.

"We wanted to tear up the rule book and create a show which was refreshing, enticing, and aimed at a whole new audience.

"We've promised flesh, we've promised filth, we've promised stunts.

"This is one circus show that you can't take the kids to.

"The concept has been hugely popular and we are the only show of this kind in the UK."

Their bawdy fare also includes an eye-popping acrobatic straps routine, a flexible hula hoop dancer and a feather dance by the Vulgarettes which leaves little to the imagination.

But the troupe insists they are all about equal opportunities and have several risque male acts on the bill.

'Hunks in trunks' have been lined up to perform upside-down pole dancing and chiselled musclemen are lined up for several gravity-defying tightrope feats.

This all builds up to their grand finale - a Wheel of Death style headliner featuring two acrobats leaping across an abyss, to the tune of an adrenaline-charged rhythm beat out by fellow showstoppers with metal chains.

One reviewer, from a sister paper of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: "The show is chaotic, silly, and rude, but most of all awe-inspiring because of the raw talent and enthusiasm of the performers.

"It's definitely not one for the faint of heart, or under-18s for that matter, but the risque circus' ability to wow a crowd is perhaps unlike any other."

Some of the touring stars involved in the near-the-knuckle show have previously performed in Nelson as part of Circus Funtasia.

Adults only can head down to the showground, off Carr Road, from 8.30pm. Tickets are £15.