Magicians Flying in from around the World

Leading magicians from around the world are gathering in the North East to perform, practice and perfect their spellbinding skills at one of the UK’s most unusual events.

The 13^th South Tyneside International Magic Festival, organised by South Tyneside Council, returns to the Customs House, South Shields from Wednesday (March 9) – just in time for English Tourism Week (March 5 – 13).

Highlights in the five-day event, which annually draws visitors from as far afield as Iceland to the intimate theatre on the banks of the River Tyne, include a Family Magic Extravaganza on Wednesday(March 9).

Programmed by festival sponsors MagicBox, this family focussed evening will star top children’s entertainers from across the North East, as well as special international guest, Mr Lido.

This will be followed by two International Gala Shows on Friday (March 11) and Saturday (March 13), featuring performances by some of the world’s greatest modern magicians.

Those set to appear include American artists Chad Long and John Carney, Swedish champion Malin Nilsson, German award-winner Alana and Belgian man of mystery, Rafael.

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival (STIMF) 2016 ends with a three day convention fromFriday March 11, designed exclusively for professional performers and magic enthusiasts.

This includes a variety of performances, lectures, workshops and masterclasses, all designed to help participants’ perfect their skills and share best practice across every form of modern magic, from sleight of hand to mentalism.

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, which looks set to be a sell-out, is part of a packed programme of events organised by South Tyneside Council throughout the year, aimed at attracting more tourism to the borough, which boasts an award-winning coastline and wide array of restaurants, bars and accommodation.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is one of the most popular events in our calendar and annually attracts performers and visitors from around the globe.

“This year, with the help of magician John Archer, we have put together an eclectic and extraordinary line up and we cannot wait for our stars to cast a spell over South Tyneside once again.”

Tickets for the Family Magic Extravaganza, priced from £7 each, and the International Gala Shows, pried from £13 each, are on sale from the Customs House Box Office on www.customshouse.co.uk or 0191 4541234.

Tickets for the festival’s three-day convention, priced at £65 each, are available by contacting South Tyneside Council Events Officer Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk

A full line up for South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2016, supported by BBC Newcastle and the Customs House, can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.