This poster for Cooke's Circus advertising 'a Grand Equestrian Jubilee' in Edinburgh on 16 May 1840 was also printed in Edinburgh. This was certainly a family affair. The programme featured James Cooke: 'on a splendid Charger' reinacting 'the Life and Death of Shaw, the Life-Guardsman' who fought and died in the Battle of Waterloo, and performing: 'a number of Daring Feats on Three Fiery Chargers' in the character of Ramo Taj Mahal, the Renowned Indian Magician. William Cooke introduced 'the Spotted Horse Reindeer': 'under his direction, this beautiful animal will obey his master in a great variety of instances, concluding his Unique Performances by Dancing on a Table', while Alfred Cooke, Miss E. Cooke, and Masters George Cooke, M. Cooke and W. Cooke also took part. Other young performers on the bill were Masters T. Sprake, Master W. Sprake, Master W. Barlow and Miss Barlow. Mr. Seal performed a contortionist act, or 'surprising elastic feats', and played Joco the Ape in Jack Robinson and his Monkey.

The Cookes were well known for their equestrian prowess, but William Cooke is also advertised as 'the Great Double Leaper and Somerset Artist', at a time when somersets (or somersaults) were a popular competitive item at circuses, and contemporary somerset performers included Tom Price and Levi North. This poster also seeks to elevate the reputation of Cooke's Circus by advertising its patronage by members of the local aristocracy - on Tuesday 17th May Sir James Gibson-Craig (1765-1845) of Riccarton, an area of Edinburgh, and on Thursday 19th May Sir John McNeil (1767-1846) and his wife, Lady Hester.