Some are little more than strangers to each other, yet the past few weeks have seen jugglers, hula-hoopers and circus enthusiasts uniting.

You could be forgiven for wondering what causes this collective to gather every Tuesday on the green grass of Brighton’s Seven Dials.

But it’s no disorganised rabble – it’s Hoop O’Clock.

The idea is the brainchild of Anton Mackman, 45, who lives in Vernon Terrace, Brighton, with his wife Angie.

A friend introduced him to juggling 25 years ago and he hasn’t looked back, starting Hoop O’Clock sessions in Brighton as a means for like-minded people to get out of the house and learn some circus skills.

It moved into the great outdoors for this summer’s stint and now takes place on the green in front of Montpelier Crescent in Brighton.

Anton said: “It is all about getting outside of the house, getting fresh air and a bit of exercise.

“I just like people having a nice time.

“Some just like watching and meeting new people.”

Anton is a juggler by profession while his wife is a talented hula-hooper.

He added: “There is no shortcut and you really have to work at it but I think the rewards are more than the efforts you put in.”

The sessions are not just about hula-hooping; there is juggling, poi, acrobatics, diabolo, unicycling and more, with some people freestyling with footballs and Frisbees.

The free event every Tuesday is for all ages and takes place from 6pm.

Organisers say it will run “until the weather changes”.

The Hoop O’Clock Collective began three and a half years ago and today almost 6,000 people are fans on Facebook.