One of the biggest and most spectacular touring circuses in the world returns to the Isle of Man this weekend.

Gandey’s Circus opens today (Thursday), at its new home in Noble’s Park, Douglas, and will feature a show packed full of stunning acrobatics, dare devil high wire acts and death-defying motorbike stunts, all housed in a huge big top tent.

The world-renowned travelling circus is bringing its latest spectacular production, ’The Greatest Show Tour’, featuring production numbers inspired by West End musicals, which was performed for three months at the Waterfront in Hong Kong, before taking it across Europe.

Among the main attractions will be the world class Havana Troupe, from Cuba, who return with two acts, including a sensational five handed springboard act and what has been described as an ’unbelievable Russian bar act’.

Also returning are the high-wire duo of Jacqui Morales and Brendan Carrisosa-Nava, who will perform amazing feats of acrobatic skill, suspended from silk ribbons, high above the crowd.

And, as a special one-off treat for locals, Manx four-time Enduro champion David Knight will take part in the exciting Thunderdome, which features the Gerling family from Columbia riding motorbikes at speeds of around 30 miles per hour around a 3.8 metre spherical cage, generating the same g-force as a fighter jet.

Also returning are the familiar faces of Chico Rico, the clown, and ringmaster Binky Beaumont, who says that they are excited to bring their new show to the island.

’We can’t wait to get back to the Isle of Man,’ said Binky.

’Personally, I have a lot of friends over here, which I am looking forward to meeting up with again, and the acts who came here previously love coming here too.

’We had to explain to Amiri, our "bendy man", exactly where the Isle of Man is, as he had never heard of it!

’Amiri is our new contortionist, from Tanzania, and we can’t wait to see him perform here. He is just incredible to watch.

’He sent us a video of himself performing and we though we just had to have him in our show. The things he can do with his body, like folding himself into a glass box, is just incredible and we know everyone will just love watching him.

’Essentially, we are bringing a brand new show to the island. It is huge, and it is by far one of our biggest and best shows we have done so far.

’There are 34 people in the cast altogether, and we have acts that come from all over the world, including Cuba, Columbia and Tanzania.

’Along with the crew, there are more than 50 people coming over to the island.

’We have 15 lorries packed with everything we need, and it is all being housed in our huge, brand new Italian big top tent, which can hold up to 1,000 people.

’Also, this year, we are looking forward to setting up in a new venue for us, at Noble’s Park, which is a change from our last venue, when we performed at Douglas Rugby Club.

’We used to hold our circus in the gardens of the Villa Marina.

’However, I don’t think we’d fit in there any more!

’Together with our high wire act, and our amazing acrobats, and the rest of our packed show, we are going to put on a great show.’

Gandey’s Circus opens today (Thursday) at 4.45pm, and again at 7.30pm, with the same times tomorrow ( Friday).

These are followed by three shows, at 2pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, 2pm, 5pm and 7.30pm on Sunday and a final two shows at 2pm and 4.45pm on Monday.

Tickets are priced between £16 and £38, available by phoning 0871 705 5507 or visiting the box office.