The spectacular 10-day Showzam! 2012 festival, curated and produced by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, the Director of the National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield, and has a reputation for its innovation and delight, bringing variety and astonishment to visitors and local people with its free performances, hands-on exhibits and fabulous shows around the city.
The extraordinary and unique event, now in its fifth year, attracts thousands of visitors and includes a number of high profile performers, street artists and never before seen acts, showcased on the streets as well as in some of Blackpool´s landmark buildings such as the theatres and newly-restored Winter Gardens.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin
In addition to work by a host of outstanding performers, this year Professor Toulmin will present, for one night only, Professor Vanessa´s Performing Wonders - an evening of cine-variety and spectacular entertainments featuring early films from the Library of Congress, Lobster Films and the University of Sheffield´s National Fairground Archive with live piano, vintage ephemera, performances by internationally renowned artists and musical accompaniment.
Professor Toulmin said: "Showzam! was established in 2008 and since then has grown each year and is now an important and popular part of Blackpool´s annual events line up. The festival has seen many of the biggest names in new variety perform and with a host of family friendly and adult-only shows, there really is something for everyone."
During the half-term bonanza of events, Professor Toulmin will also lead festival tours, as well as direct and host the celebrated Carnival Ball - an evening of style and drama, music and cabaret, at the beautiful and world-famous Tower Ballroom.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Marketing Blackpool, said: "We are delighted with the fantastic line up for this year´s Showzam! Since the festival first started, Showzam! has grown year on year and now many visitors can´t wait for this annual event.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the fantastic shows and events as Showzam! 2012 is bigger and better than ever."
In addition to her work in Blackpool, in April Professor Toulmin will be hosting Professor Vanessa´s Wondershow at the Roundhouse in London as part of CircusFest 2012. And in September, in her role as Head of Cultural Engagement for the University of Sheffield, she will be hosting a 10-day Festival of the Mind across Sheffield, drawing together the cultural dynamism of the city and the University around themes of Magic, Space, Identity, City and Craft.
A festival of wonder - variety, circus and magic!
