Edinburgh International Magic Festival to conjure thrills

Magician Kevin Quantum at Summerhall ahead of the Magic Festival which starts there on Friday. Picture: Greg Macvean

From traditional tricks to learning the art of deception, the Edinburgh International Magic Festival is offering entertainment for all ages, in a variety of locations across the city.

In its seventh year, the event, which will run for eight days, claims to boast more shows, acts and jaw-dropping stunts than ever before – and introduce famous magicians such as Juan Tamariz, who is performing in Scotland for the first time.

The conjuring begins at Summerhall on Friday, with a never-seen-before MagicFair, offering guests a multi-room experience and a selection of one-off shows.

Award winning magician, Elliot Bibby, 24, will be performing “comedy magic” at the fair.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the brand new MagicFair. I’ll be one of the few magicians performing in every session – from morning until late.

“It’s a great concept and really allows the public to experience a lot of magic in the one place.”

The Magicfair has tailored its morning entertainment for children, its afternoon tricks for all ages and its evening shows for adults.

Luke Eaton is set to perform late-night horror magic in the Anatomy Room while BBC’s The Real Hustle star R Paul Wilson will treat guests to a VIP performance.

Mind-experimentation with sell-out Scottish mind-reader Colin Cloud will also be taking place in Psyche – a 20-minute, fully interactive experiment held in the Dissection Room.

The traditional Magic and Variety Gala Show is returning this year among numerous events, with performances from world class illusionists, mindreaders and masters of the impossible.

Conjuring fans can also learn a few tricks themselves at the Magic School workshops which take place from July 4-7 at the Quaker Meeting House, or take a tour with a magician, through Lauriston Castle in the “Secret Room” event.

Kevin McMahon, artistic director of MagicFest, said: “This year we have arguably one of the greatest living legends in magic, Juan Tamariz, and one of the greatest up-and-coming stars, Hector Mancha. It’s our biggest line-up to date. Watch out for surprises around the city.”

Magic à la Carte will also be served up in Tigerlily, on George Street, where guests can enjoy a three-course meal surrounded by magic on July 8.

• More information/tickets: http://www.magicfest.co.uk/