From " Elton Wrong" belting out hits on a roaming piano to the high-energy illusions of West End magic, we’re kicking off Day One of February Festival with free family fun.
Whether you're exploring the quirky puppet stages on Adelaide Street, learning circus skills at Houndshill Shopping Centre, or enjoying slaptick silliness at The Blackpool Tower, there is a surprise waiting around every corner. Check out the full schedule below.
Elton Wrong – Roaming Act
Starting from Showtown - 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm
The Rocket Man is landing in Blackpool! As a highlight of our February Festival, this isn't your average tribute act. Just think of a full-scale stadium gig squeezed onto a mobile white piano, roaming right through the heart of the town.
Elton Wrong will be belting out the classics and bringing a bit of popstar madness to your Thursday shopping. He starts his journey at Showtown before heading out to zigzag his way through the town centre. Keep your eyes peeled (and your ears open!) for him.
A La Puppet Carte
Adelaide Street West (Houndshill Shopping Centre in adverse weather) - 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
On the "A la Puppet Carte” menu is a duet of pop-up puppet stages built onto the back of electric tricycles. Each mobile stage has a show full of surprises, fun and a heart-warming story of friendship and a sense of home.
In “The Story of the Scary Noise”, a doting daddy finds the unexpected, and adorable, source of a mysterious sound. In “The Magic Samovar”, a Persian tea urn reveals a compelling puzzle of secrets, objects and characters and “Maisy and the Corn” tells the story of an exuberant gardener and her very hungry chicken.
UV Puppet Show & Workshop
The Blackpool Tower Fifth Floor - 11am, 1pm & 3pm (one-hour session)
Free ticketed event - BOOK TICKETS (Sold out)
If you're looking for something a bit different this half-term, head up to the Fifth Floor for The Creature from the Blackpool Lagoon. This is a "Black Light" UV puppet show that uses neon effects to bring its characters to life.The show is known for being fast-paced and light-hearted. While children enjoy the bright colours and music, there is plenty of humour and local references tucked in for the adults, too.
It also comes with a bit of a pedigree. The show won CBBC’s The Slammer and actually holds the record for the highest-scoring act in the series' history. Each one-hour slot includes both the performance and a hands-on workshop, giving you a chance to see how the UV magic works.
A.P.T – Roaming Act
Starting from Houndshill at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm (30-minute set)
Meet Hope and Joy, dressed in big, bright and beautiful costumes fashioned from bags for life and the fabric from broken umbrellas. Their recycled hostess trolley hides a portable PA and carries props that hint at austerity, such as a barrel of broken biscuits and packs of bread rolls.
Dance to the irresistible party tunes coming from the trolley, play catch your daily bread and celebrate good times with Hope and Joy. A wonderful way to dance away the blues!
Sam Hogarth West End Street Magic
Adelaide St West - 12pm, 2.30pm & 4pm | Abingdon Market - 2.30pm show
This February, one of the UK’s most respected performers, Samuel Phillips-Hogarth, to taking to the streets of Blackpool. Known to many as "The People’s Magician," Sam has spent over 20 years perfecting his craft, starting his career at London’s iconic Covent Garden before taking his show to global stages.
His performance, London Street Magic, is a fast-paced 25-minute mixed with interesting illusions with sharp, improvisational comedy. It’s a high-energy show designed for the whole family, a skill that earned Sam the title of UK Family Entertainer of the Year.
The show concludes with a world-first finale where a spectator levitates while completely surrounded by the crowd!
Blackpool Circus School
Houndshill Shopping Centre, 11am till 4pm
Blackpool has a world-famous circus heritage and the Blackpool Circus School has been a huge part of that for over 20 years. They are experts at taking traditional skills and making them fun for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Whether you’ve always wanted to try your hand at juggling or fancy testing your balance on a tightwire, these workshops are a fantastic way to have a go. It’s not just about the tricks, though, it’s a brilliant way for kids (and adults) to build a bit of confidence, get creative and maybe even find a new hobby.
With sessions designed for beginners and seasoned performers alike, the team is led by experienced instructors who mentor the next generation right here in town. Their sessions are always welcoming, high-energy, and, most importantly, a lot of fun!
Th’ESP’s Larger than life Sideshow Characters
Abingdon Market - 6pm till 7.30pm (20-minute performances)
Local community theatre company Th’ESPs are taking to the streets once more with their larger-than-life Sideshow characters inspired by Blackpool’s rich heritage of entertainment.
Meet this crew of odd-bods and misfits up close and personal. You might bump into Vera, the world’s clumsiest escapologist or Dr Septimus Slither, a snake-oil salesman with a questionable cure for everything. From Lumpi the fire-starting clown to Suria the exiled dancer, they are a charmingly chaotic bunch who love to stop for a chat and showcase their "rare" talents.
Tweedy's Massive Solo Show
The Globe, Pleasure Beach Resort - 6.30pm (60-minute set) - BOOK TICKETS
It will be a masterclass of mayhem! Tweedy brings his acclaimed "Massive Solo Show" to The Globe at Pleasure Beach Resort on Thursday 19 February 2026. As a highlight of Blackpool’s February Festival, this one-hour whirlwind of slapstick and physical comedy shows exactly why Tweedy is considered the gold standard of modern clowning.
Described by The Daily Telegraph as “the Mark Rylance of clowning,” he made history in 2023 as the first person to receive the British Empire Medal for services to the circus.
All tickets are priced at just £10 and, to make the evening even more magical, up to 30 lucky children will win a VIP meet-and-greet immediately following the show. Each winner will get to meet the man behind the red nose and take home a signed copy of his brand-new children’s book, Tweedy the Clown Who Lost His Nose.
Megaslam Wrestling
VIVA Showbar, Church Street - 12noon - BOOK TICKETS
Experience the excitement of Megaslam Wrestling live at Viva Blackpool, a fast-paced, family-friendly wrestling show filled with non-stop action, energy, and unforgettable moments.
Please note that there will be live filming and photography at this event. Any pictures or footage provided might be used by VisitBlackpool for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be included, please contact the VisitBlackpool Web Team.