Jay Miller’s Circus has rolled back into Andover this week, bringing with it a mix of traditional circus magic, family entertainment and nearly four decades of history under the Big Top.
The popular touring circus has returned to town and will remain in Andover from Thursday 7th May until Sunday 17th May at Finkley Down Farm Park’s overflow car park, SP11 6NF. Organisers are promising an “unforgettable” experience for audiences of all ages across the 10-day stay.
With tickets starting from just £10 per person and free entry for children under two, families are being encouraged to enjoy a live spectacle packed with entertainment, dazzling performances and classic circus atmosphere.
Performances take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm and 7.30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 5pm, Sunday 10th May at 2pm and 5pm, and a final performance on Sunday 17th May at 1pm. The circus will be closed on Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th May.
Visitors can expect an authentic circus experience complete with flashing lights, live performers, candy floss and popcorn, while a fully licensed bar inside the Big Top offers refreshments for adults attending the show.
The circus has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when owner Jon Miller first discovered his love for circus life as a schoolboy visiting a circus field in Woking. Fascinated by the arriving caravans, transport vehicles and the behind-the-scenes work involved in raising the Big Top, he quickly became hooked on the travelling lifestyle.
After helping out in exchange for free tickets, Jon spent every possible moment at the circus, eventually even leading liberty horses into the ring during a performance. Although he was later brought home by his parents and went on to qualify as a civil engineer, the circus remained close to his heart.
During the mid-1980s, Jon returned to circus life full-time after taking a job with a touring show. Learning every aspect of the business, from performance production to the overnight work required to build and dismantle the site in all weather conditions, he eventually decided to launch his own circus.
Jay Miller’s Circus officially opened in March 1987 in Broughton, Hampshire, after Jon purchased second-hand lorries, sourced a small Big Top and persuaded a group of performers to join him on his new venture.
Today, the circus tours approximately 50 towns each year during its 36-week season, travelling around 2,000 miles and distributing thousands of posters and advertising tickets every week. Behind the scenes, preparations for each tour begin up to two years in advance, with performers selected from around the world and all equipment built and maintained by the circus team themselves.
Despite the scale of the operation, organisers say the goal remains the same as it was nearly 40 years ago — to provide memorable family entertainment and keep the magic of the traditional circus alive for new generations.
Tickets can be booked online via Jay Miller’s Circus or by calling the box office on 07976 655180. The on-site box office is also open daily from 9.30am until showtime.