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The show was kicked off on Valentine's Day by young magician Cillian O Connor, who displayed an amazing display of card tricks and personal stories, including how his favourite hobby has helped him cope with the challenges of having autism.
After the weekend, the audience was treated to a nerve-wracking act by internationally famous escapologist Andrew Basso, who performed one of Houdini’s best-known escapes.
These were just two of the incredible performances that graced the Blackpool Promenade this half-term week, and you can enjoy them all with these 21 dazzling photos of all the best moments of the 2025 Showzam festival:
19. Crowds gathered on the Comedy Carpet outside Blackpool Tower and watched with suspense as the Italian escapologist performed “the Greatest Escape” live on the seafront. Mr Basso, 39, who has appeared in countless TV shows including Britain’s Got Talent in 2022, spoke to the Gazette about performing the ‘Escape’ on the first night of the resort’s Showzam! festival. He said: “I am very excited to be here because first, the connection with Houdini from when he performed in Blackpool, I know my hero, my legend was actually here. So performing an escape is exciting as an escapologist.
Crowds gathered on the Comedy Carpet outside Blackpool Tower and watched with suspense as the Italian escapologist performed “the Greatest Escape” live on the seafront. Mr Basso, 39, who has appeared in countless TV shows including Britain’s Got Talent in 2022, spoke to the Gazette about performing the ‘Escape’ on the first night of the resort’s Showzam! festival. He said: “I am very excited to be here because first, the connection with Houdini from when he performed in Blackpool, I know my hero, my legend was actually here. So performing an escape is exciting as an escapologist. | National World Photo: National World
20. Mr Basso said: “I start from skill number one, which is learning how to pick handcuffs and a lock and I do that on the sofa in my living room and then I learned it upside down in my living room. Then I tried to do it with my eyes closed, then hold my breath while I am doing it.” The crowd collectively held their breath as Mr Basso began his escape before erupting into cheers as he emerged safe from the tank.
Mr Basso said: “I start from skill number one, which is learning how to pick handcuffs and a lock and I do that on the sofa in my living room and then I learned it upside down in my living room. Then I tried to do it with my eyes closed, then hold my breath while I am doing it.” The crowd collectively held their breath as Mr Basso began his escape before erupting into cheers as he emerged safe from the tank. | National World Photo: National World
21. Showzam! Thousands witness 'death-defying' Houdini water tank stunt on Blackpool Promenade
Showzam! Thousands witness 'death-defying' Houdini water tank stunt on Blackpool Promenade | National World Photo: National World