Hundreds of jugglers are set to come to a country park next year.

Organisers of the British Juggling Convention want to use part of Stanmer Park, Brighton, from April 10 to 13 to stage their extravaganza.

It is the biggest showcase in the UK for circus skills and would attract up to 1,000 jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists, stilt walkers and trick cyclists.

Up to three big tops would be erected on an area about the size of a football pitch in the park's south-east corner if approval is given by Brighton and Hove City Council Cabinet culture councillor Ian Duncan on Thursday.

A professional security firm would patrol the site, with a large part of the programme taking place at Sussex University sports centre.

About half the people attending would stay on site, either camping or in bed and breakfast.

Organisers would meet all costs and be required to pay a deposit and clear up afterwards.

Coun Duncan said: "There is quite a circus skills scene in the city.

"You quite often see jugglers and unicyclists so we seem to be an appropriate host.

"It would probably provide some pleasant and quirky days out for residents."