February/March 2011
- Blackpool Magicians Convention
February is an exciting month for any magician. Every year The Winter Gardens in Blackpool plays host to the largest convention in the world for magicians with over 3,500 magicians attending. There are competitions, lectures, seminars, dealers, and gala shows. It’s often said that you learn more in the bar than you do at the lectures and seminars. Staying up until 4am every night chatting to other magicians over a cold beer often gives me more material for my future performances, than I could ever wish for!
I came away from the weekend with lots of new ideas, and can’t wait to perform the new routines. Things will be vanishing, reappearing, transforming, floating, and multiplying before you can say…..well, before you can say something magical and cheesy. I vowed never to use the word Abracadabra, and I don’t want to start now!
A Naked Wedding!
Well, where do we start with this one? Last year I was involved with the 96.4fm BRMB event, Married by Monday. The breakfast show had exactly 7 days to organise an entire wedding and I was chosen to perform during the evening reception for the happy couple. This year, BRMB decided to organise the UK’s first ever naked wedding. The idea was exactly as it sounds. For a couple to take their wedding vows completely naked. The ceremony went well and was done in a tasteful fashion (with body paint, and strategically placed flowers!) and was broadcast both on radio and on a live webcam through the BRMB website. By the time I arrived, the happy couple Kelly and Lee were fully clothed and it was just like performing at a ‘normal’ wedding!
There were some great professionals on the day and as you can see by the photo on the right, I had lots of fun with the chocolate fountain that was kindly provided by Chocolate Lips of Redditch. I’m a sucker for anything to do with chocolate, and after I finished performing I spent a LONG time tasting the different dips on offer. Donuts, marshmallows and vanilla fudge get my vote every time!
Paul Willetts Photography
I was also sent some top class action shots from the official photographer of the day, Paul Willetts. Paul’s website features some stunning photographs from all over the world and he captured some great shots at Kelly and Lee’s “Naked Wedding.” Paul has kindly sent me the photos below, aswell as the one on the left. You can see the full album here. I strongly recommend if you’re getting married in the Worcestershire area, and you’re looking for a photographer – get in touch with Paul. You’ll also see the fabulous balloons that were made to look just like the bride and groom! A great talking point for any occasion,check out Huff Puff Balloons!
Cheltenham Races
March also saw me take a trip to Cheltenham with a few of my friends to attend the Cheltenham Festival. I’ll be blunt. The less said about this, the better! I had an absolute stinker as far as betting goes. I had a great day though, and it was a great atmosphere. I’ve never been to a race meeting before, and I’m told the Gold Cup is one of the most exciting! I shall try and find the time to visit again next year, and it was an enjoyable day for all of us that travelled. I’ll try and do a bit more research next time, if you have any tips…please let me know, I need all the help I can get!
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