Blackpool’s February Festival Extravaganza is Back for 2011

27th October 2010

Categories: Press Releases - Latest

Roll up, roll up and head to Blackpool as the annual February Festival extravaganza returns!

It’s also that time of year when the weird and wonderful worlds of circus, magic and new variety that is Showzam! collides with Blackpool’s traditional venues, shows and entertainment…and it’s bigger and better than ever before with colourful characters performing fantastic feats of jaw-dropping skill!

The February Festival runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 27 and features Showzam! which takes place 18-27 February 2011. Featuring a whole host of entertainment and attractions for all the family - This is one event you will not want to miss!

Highlights of the 2011 programme includes ‘Roary the Racing Car’ at the Grand Theatre, Ice Skating at the Arena, Pleasure Beach, Brilliance an illuminating sound and light show and the mysterious Carnesky’s Ghost Train.

Maxine Callow, Portfolio Holder for the Places Directorate at Blackpool Council said: “Blackpool’s February Festival is experiencing increasing popularity year on year and we are noticing an increasing number of visitors to the resort. Blackpool will become a hive of activity with these spectacular events and the fact that Showzam! features, allows us to showcase Blackpool at its best as the natural home of circus, magic and new variety.”

Showzam! features some of the world’s most exciting and talented artists appearing across Blackpool at a number of famous venues including The Tower Circus, The Piers, The Winter Gardens, The Tower Ballroom, The Grand Theatre and Pleasure Beach Resort.

Headlining this year’s event is the critically acclaimed SOAP, after over two years of wowing international audiences in Berlin, and a two-month run in London, SOAP is now available to the rest of the world! SOAP is genuine family entertainment. Difficult to imagine; seven bathtubs have become colourful, funny, and even spectacular. From contortion to aerial straps, dance trapeze to aerial hoop, a breathtaking experience in and around the bathtubs.

Elsewhere, expect the unexpected as the Blackpool favourite and always risqué Miss Behave stars in The Crack with the help of a few of her friends; or join Marawa the Amazing who will be performing in the opulent Carnival Ball hosted by the delightful Romany Diva of Magic; in addition to shows including Mooky & Mr Booo’s International Circus, Count Arthur Strong, Jongleurs, Circus Hilarious and Slightly Fat features presents Variety by the Sea, a brilliant, timeless show for all ages.

This year, for the first time, Showzam! also has a fringe element – presenting varied and scintillating waves of the best in new variety and cabaret. A series of exclusive one-off shows will make up Cabaret by the Sea at the Merrie England Bar, North Pier– featuring the extraordinary dancing and sharp tongue of Madame Galina, the legendary musical genius that is Earl Okin and the Everly Pregnant Brothers and their eclectic ukelele renditions!

Showzam! will also see Blackpool’s historic ‘Winter Gardens’ transformed into Showzam Central - a free exciting attraction providing a hub of information for the whole festival. Visitors will get to experience restored, traditional sideshows from the 1950s. New to Showzam Central - Mysterious Meeky, last seen in the 1950’s, Meeky is known as ‘The World’s Strangest Little Boy’ and Pinball Geoff has brought his remarkable collection of pinball and slot machines dating back to its golden age in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

If that’s not enough, Showzam! has a great selection of tours and talks taking place throughout the festival including Pleasure Beach Costume Tours; Palaces of Delight, presented by Professor Vanessa, exploring the beauty and wealth of Matcham architecture in Blackpool as well as the Blackpool Winter Gardens, referred to as The Most Magnificent Palace of Amusement in the World; and, the Blackpool Tower & Circus Heritage Tour.

The energy and excitement of Showzam! will culminate in a finale event on Saturday February 26th featuring the internationally renowned Spurting Man with a spectacular climax of human fountains and large scale water effects – it is not to be missed but bring your wellies as there will be lots of audience interaction!

Blackpool’s February Festival
Friday 11th – Sunday 27th February 2011
Venues across Blackpool
Many events free

Showzam!
Friday 18th – Sunday 27th February 2011
Venues across Blackpool
Many events free

For full details and information about tickets and early bird offers visit www.showzam.co.uk or call visitBlackpool on 01253 478222. You can also check out deals and offers on accommodation to turn a visit to Showzam! into a fantastic break here.