Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Artists from all around the world and the UK will perform at MagicFest 2011, including star of BBC show The Real Hustle Paul Wilson. Kevin McMahon, founder and artistic director of MagicFest, founded the festival last year out of the desire to give magic more visibility. "There was currently no public facing magic event in the UK – nowhere to go and see lots of quality, live magic. There was a clear gap in the market."

For Kevin Edinburgh, a "truly magical city" was an obvious choice not only for its reputation as a Festival city but also because of its "mystical" atmosphere. "Scotland, and Edinburgh in particular, is generally perceived as a mythical place, with a colourful and magical history." And history has a relevant role in MagicFest, which includes a historical recreation of a séance and a show on the magician Great Lafayette, who died on stage in Edinburgh in 1911.

The festival aims to give "people the opportunity to come along and be surprised by how amazing a magic show can be, regardless of your age." The programme of MagicFest offers magic events of all sorts and for all ages: alongside a mix of traditional Comedy Magic, Classic Magic, Close-up Magic and Mind Reading, special events such as a three course dinner and an evening cabaret were created to capture the audience’s imagination. A separate programme, School of Magic, is designed for children aged 7-12.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival seeks to draw the widest possible audience to the fascinating world of magic, so whether you’re a hardcore believer in magic, have a secret crush on Harry Potter or are sceptical of white rabbits and black top hats, the festival promises to provide events that will make you drop your mouth like a child. [Claudia Marinaro]