Hard-to-miss in Preston Park is the imposing, giant blue canvas covered in Union Jacks and home to the members of the Cottle and Austen - Animal Free - Electric Circus.

It's 30 years since the first Cottle and Austen circus had its modest beginnings in a flower show marquee, the entire show consisting then of only six people.

The circus now has a new look, reminiscent of the feel-good formula of the Seventies seaside special programme, with its mix of pop music, comedy and circus acts.

We were led to our seats by a be-suited Mr Denning, manager of the company for three years, complete with clown's make-up. The auditorium was warm and the sense of excitement was building up as a whoosh of pink dry ice emerged, fading away to show a dance troupe. The troupe launched straight into a Blues Brothers' sketch and was soon joined by a huge team of jugglers, acrobats, magicians and a Dolly Parton look-a-like, singing River Deep, Mountain High.

As the stage was reset for the second time in five minutes, a Spanish clown entered to the sound of Viva Espana and did a fantastic striptease to "You Can Leave Your Hat On" before becoming a pink tutu-wearing ballerina.

The audience was suitably warmed up and laughter filled the tent.

A comforting mix of sawdust, dry ice and the smell of hot dogs brought back childhood memories. In traditional style, the cast periodically ran into the audience and at times asked for volunteers.

There was no pushiness and people participated gladly despite being occasionally covered in foam and water.

After all this frivolity, beautiful women - one suspended by her hair - in slinky leotards swung gracefully from the rooftop encouraging the sort of "oohs" and "aahs" you expect from a circus.

Then came the magic. Breathtaking moments of disbelief as people emerged unscathed from boxes liberally pierced with swords.

All the ingredients for a perfect circus were there, the guy on the tiny bicycle, the sequins, the loud music, the lights and death-defying feats often performed in the dark.

The trapeze artists were particularly good, ending with a triple somersault in mid-air before gently falling to the net.

After the break, a fun troupe of Afro-Caribbean gymnasts did some amazing things with a pole and a spoof on US army training.

The multi-talented and very camp Spanish tutu man then returned with an entertaining sketch of the Hollywood director. He got several members of the audience involved in his film-making, much to the hilarity of all.

The new Cottle and Austen Electric Circus is characterised by useful high energy in a rock-pop musical setting, while it retains the essential characteristics of circus tradition.

If a cynic like me can say I had a good time, I bet you'd have a ball.

For further information, call the Brighton Festival box office on 01273 709709.

Preston Park, Brighton, until May 26