Leave the real world at the door and be swept away by amazing feats and madcap acrobatics by the best performers from across the globe during CircusFest 2014.

The month-long festival celebrating the skill of circus, from the divine to the dastardly, is the biggest the Roundhouse has ever staged and will feature premieres in the Main Space, brilliant new shows in the Studio Theatre, a Pop-up Tent, opportunities at Take Part Weekend and an array of amazing shows at Jacksons Lane and across London.

It launched yesterday (Wednesday) in the venue’s Main House with a show by French troupe La Meute (The Wolf Pack) who are masters of the rarely-seen circus skill of Russian Swing and will use a giant swing to propel themselves up to ten metres in the air.

She Would Walk the Sky features a cast of world-class acrobats and aerialists from international hit shows and Puffball is inspired and performed by a young LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning) cast.

Capilotractées in the Tent will see Finnish artists Sanja and Elice revive the old and forgotten circus art of hair hanging and Funk Da Cirque includes some of the best young street dancers and acrobats from across London, all aged 11-25.

Jacksons Lane will host shows Triptych, featuring trick cycling, and Strike! blurring the line between circus and theatre.

There will also be events featuring spoken word, parkour, discussions, DJ sets, an exhibition of new work by visual artist Bertil Nilsson and a chance to have a go at circus skills.

Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, NW1, March 26 to April 27. Details: 0844 482 8008, roundhouse.org.uk