Last time I went to Jay Miller's Circus, I ended up standing against a wooden board, with a hood on, having very sharp knives thrown at me.

This was about 15 years ago I reckon but this time was equally enjoyable if not so eventful.

It is a joyous thing being a grandfather and taking two of my grandkids to the circus was very special.

Jay Miller's is the Isle of Wight's circus, having come here for many years, but although the personnel might change, the magical feel of the experience does not.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jodi MillerJodi Miller

From the opening musical number — a riot of colour and sound — to all the individual sets, the night was a triumph.

New Revolution, recruited this year from the Manuel Fajardo sports school in Havana, Cuba, set the bar high, with athleticism, fitness and grace on a flexible bar providing some big thrills.

Read more: The circus comes to town for the summer

Miller family member Jodi on the 'silver thread' kept the action going, as did mesmerising ball juggling from JJ Miller.

Then came the eye-watering toughness of hair hanging by The Walters before a real highlight in the Skywalker routine of Hungarian Matyi Molnar, who entered the ring on a big ole' motorbike and wowed the crowd with some high-level acrobatics.

The second half was equally diverse and fun with New Revolution taking skipping to a new level and Paige Miller performing with grace in the aerial bubble.

Ross Walters' diabolo routine, the incredible aerial hoop routine from Duo Molnar and more high level heroics from Duo Sift kept the applause coming.

Isle of Wight County Press: New RevolutionNew Revolution

But no circus is complete without a clown, and Jay Miller's stalwart Peppi entertained the kids of all ages in the crowd throughout the evening, with several young audience members being called up to play the stooge.

All in all a great night out, proving the simple pleasures in life are sometimes the best.

Jay Miller's is at Whippningham Racecourse Roundabout until August 30.