A daredevil stunt show planned for Bradford city centre is in jeopardy after it failed a funding bid.

Escapologist Antony Britton was planning a spectacular homecoming show in Centenary Square in less than a fortnight’s time.

In the stunt, a world first, he would be giving himself 90 seconds to escape from a cage dubbed ‘Lucifer’s Chamber’, while fastened by 22 locks, multiple chains and seven shackles. There would also be live music and a magician at the free event on Saturday, September 21, with spectators asked to make a voluntary donation to Help for Heroes.

But the future of the show is now in doubt after a £2,500 bid to a Bradford Council funding pot failed.

Finance bosses told Mr Britton the Visitor Promotion Fund did not pay out to events raising money for a specific charity, and that bids were expected to have community participation.

Mr Britton said: “I couldn’t work it out, I was more flabbergasted than anything else.”

Each year Mr Britton’s organisation, Escape For Life, puts on a free show. Last year an event in Wakefield raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Britton, who was brought up in Saltaire, said: “I’m a Bradford boy so bringing the show to Bradford meant more to me than doing the show itself.”

Mr Britton said the Council’s events team had been “phenomenal” in their support for the idea, and the failed bid had come as a surprise.

A Council spokesman said: “There are strict criteria for granting funding from the Visitor Promotion Fund, unfortunately this application did not meet the criteria.”

Mr Britton is now looking for firms who could step in and save the day by sponsoring the event.

Anyone who can help can call Mr Britton on 07545 283967 or e-mail antony@escapeforlife.org.uk.

e-mail: claire.armstrong@telegraphandargus.co.uk