LION tamers and acrobats could be joining St Leonard's Hospice Midnight Walk this summer.

The annual event, which raises money the Tadcaster Road hospice, will return to York in July with a new theme.

The walk will be on Saturday, July 6 and begin at Manor CE Secondary school at 9pm. The route, which will be about seven miles, has not yet been confirmed but a charity spokesman said it would pass the Minster and aim to incorporate the most notable hot spots in the city.

There will also be new entertainment on the night. Hospice volunteer Jen Parry, owner of High Hoops, teaches aerial skills, trapeze and hula hooping and will be giving a taster on the night as a warm-up.

Participants are advised to come dressed as performers, acrobats or as lion tamers as the theme is characters from hit movie, the Greatest Showman.

Katie Jackson, events fundraiser, said: “Think street performers, hula hooping, acrobatics -you name it. Unfortunately we can’t promise that Hugh Jackman will be in attendance, but we don’t know that he won’t be either.

“As previously, the walk is open to men, women and children, so get your team together. You can walk in memory of a loved one, as a way of keeping fit while having fun with friends and family, or simply to do something a little bit different with your Saturday night. Whatever your reasons, you will be generating essential funds for St Leonard’s Hospice. Your support and sponsorship efforts are vital in making sure we can continue to provide care and support to those in our community facing a life-limiting condition.”

Tickets are £15 adults and £10 for under-16s until May 7, then rise to £17 and £12 respectively. Visit www.stleonardshospice.org.uk