20 Years of Magic in South Tyneside

The awe-inspiring South Tyneside International Magic Festival is back celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year with a spell-binding line up featuring some of the world's leading performers.

The festival kicks off on Friday 11 October with Family Variety Show followed by a spectacular Gala Show on Saturday 12 October, both taking place at The Customs House in South Shields.

And new for this year, wannabe magicians can learn from professionals when the Junior Magic Workshops make their debut at The Word in South Shields, on Sunday 13 October.

Stage acts range from close-up and interactive magic to mesmerising card manipulation and grand illusions, as well as acts for younger audiences.

With the Family Variety Show, on Friday 11 October, the whole family can enjoy a magical evening with performances from some of the best entertainment in the north east including award-winning magician Graeme Shaw, Dain Cordean, CBBC slapstick superstar Danny Adams with Clive Webb, and international illusionist duo Amethyst providing an amazing stunt never seen on the Customs House stage. There will also be performances from Newcastle's very own Neptune Junior Magic Society.

The Gala Show, taking place on Saturday 12 October, will feature award-winning Spanish magician Juan Colas known for his unique Heartbeat effect, mentalist and showman Alex McAleer and Spanish close up magician Sonia Benito. Also appearing is Berlin-based artist Tobias Dostal, who does amazing things with shadows, award winning Jasper Blakeley, English stage and TV magician Paul Zenon, Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist John Archer and the youngest professional magician in the world - Ryland Petty who has been performing since the age of two.

On Sunday 13 October, wizards in training can come along to the new Wizarding Workshop where they can learn up to five tricks from professional magicians. The session runs at The Word, from 11am to 12.30pm,and are aimed at children aged six to 12 years.

This will be followed by a Junior Masterclass for young people aged 13 to 17, running from 2pm to 3.30pm.Young magicians will get to talk to the professionals, see close-up magic, show off their own skills and learn five amazing magic tricks to impress family and friends. Special guest at the Junior Masterclass will be world renowned magician and President of the Magic Circle - Marvin Berglas.

Councillor Judith Taylor, Lead Member for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, at South Tyneside Council, said: "We are delighted to see the South Tyneside International Magic Festival returning to the Borough again this year and this year is extra special as we celebrate a milestone 20^th anniversary.

"It's always a fantastic unique event that leaves audiences amazed and inspired and gives them a chance to see some of the best acts from around the globe.

"It is particularly exciting to be hosting new junior workshops giving youngsters an insight into the world of magic, and budding magicians to chance to mix with the professionals. The Family Variety Show will also have a surprise unique finale. I'm sure all those who attend any of the shows or workshops will have a brilliant time."

The festival also includes a convention where professional magicians turn out in force for a series of special lectures and workshops at the Customs. It's a small convention with a big heart with delegates travelling from far and wide including Spain, the USA and Iceland.

South Tyneside International Magic Festival is delivered by South Tyneside Council in partnership with The Customs House and Magicbox, Newcastle.

For the full line-up of magicians visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival

Tickets for the shows can be booked direct from The Customs House at www.customshouse.co.uk