Andy Stone will be updating us on progress of the IBM British Ring Convention that takes place September 22nd - 26th 2010 in Eastbourne in the run up to the convention. This time Andy writes about 10 More Reasons To Register for Eastbourne

The Opening Show: Getting the convention off to a magical start. Peter Scarlett will introduce Paul Dabek , a former “Magic Circle Young Magician Of The Year” and former winner of the “British Ring Shield”, now making a career for himself in the theatre and cruise market. Also, Stephen Williams, who won the title “World Junior General Magic Champion” at the Blackpool Showzam Festival in 2008 and has since toured with Ken Dodd. Simon Cowell, that annoying bloke from “Britain’s Got Talent” said of him, “I despise magicians, but I really enjoyed that…” Finally, we’ll enjoy the Illusions of Andrew Green, who describes himself on his website as “one of the driving forces of contemporary breathtaking illusionary in the UK today”.

Close Up Competition: The British Ring Close Up Competition this year has attracted acts of a high standard. The winner will go forward to the Close Up Competition at the FISM Europe Convention in Blackpool, next February. For many, the British Ring Close Up Competition is a highlight of our convention. We’re looking to expand the team that helps run the Close Up competition, if you think you’d like to help and I can tell you from personal experience it’s a lot of fun, email Steve Evans: stevemagicbloke@aol.com

Lectures: Whatever your magical interest, there’s sure to be a lecture at the convention to interest you. In addition to the lectures on marketing by Bob Yelland and Children’s Magic by Jimmy Carlo, mentioned last month, Charlie Frye presents some more of his “eccentricks”. Rich Bloch has more of his practical and workable magic. Martin Eisele specialises in Close Up and Stand Up magic. The ever-popular Wayne Dobson makes a welcome return to lecture at the British Ring Convention. Award winning Manipulator Cyril Harvey presents original visual effects for Stage and Parlour performance. If you’ve always wanted to put together a stand up act Ian Keable presents the lecture for you. Matt Johnson from Canada presents his lecture entitled “Monkey Business”. It is an eclectic mix of Close Up Magic, Stand Up Magic and Comedy Magic that anyone can do. No lesser personage than John Archer has described him as “Awesome”! Manuel Muerte, part of the German “flicking fingers group” presents a lecture for Close Up lovers and Flip, the creator of the “flip stick”, presents the best of his original creations. Finally, Danny Hunt will present a workshop on Escapology. So, if you’re into rope and chains and prepared to admit it in public, this is the lecture for you!

Our feature lecture of the convention is of course, the “Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture”. This year, Derek Lever will give the Atkins lecture. Many people will remember Derek touring the country and presenting his “worlds most ingenious magical apparatus lecture” the year he was president. Indeed, many new members joined as a result. For our convention Derek will present a look as some of the ingenious creations of Jack Hughes. This is something Derek knows a lot about, having authored three books on the subject! This is a lecture not to be missed.

International Close Up Show: This show offers a strong line up, putting the emphasis on entertainment as much as skill. The show will take place on the stage of the Floral Hall, but don’t worry if you’re not one of the great and the good that get to sit at the front, as Bob Hamilton will provide full video coverage! The line up includes several FISM award winners and a past winner of the British Ring Close Up Competition. Your host, Steve Evans will introduce Charlie Fry, Rich Bloch, Martin Eisele, Matt Johnson, Manuel Muerte and Sean Carpenter.

Gala Dinner: This is the old Convention Banquet bought up to date. A traditional black tie dinner with speeches, side-toasts and now added Close Up Magic! A chance to dress up and enjoy fine food and wine.

Films of Past Conventions: If dressing up for dinner really isn’t your thing, Bob Hamilton, will be showing a selection of videos of past conventions.

The Late Show: An after “Gala Dinner” or convention film event, where you can find out who’s won the competitions and enjoy a quality magic show. Danny Buckler will compere and keep you awake, so you can watch the graceful and feminine magic of Yoganne, the comedy ventriloquism of Steve Hewlett, the sophisticated humour of Ian Keable and comedic incompetence of the Great Nardini.

Welfare Auction: Pick up a bargain and help the welfare fund at the same time. Once again, Derek Lever and Mike Shepherd will be your auctioneers at what is becoming a popular convention event.

Junior Workshop: A chance for young magicians to get some hands on tuition from the stars of the convention, with help from Mandy Davis and the Magic Circle’s Young Magicians Club.

The Children’s Show: A chance to see top Children’s entertainers in action. Once again Clivo and Jeani will be your host and will introduce Richard Cadell & Sooty, Jimbo (Jimmy Carlo) Manipulation from Stuart Brown and Illusions from Amethyst (Danny Hunt and Annette Claire).

Remember the British Ring Convention is a happening and hip operation, but you don’t need to have had one in order to attend!

You can get more information on our convention which takes place in Eastbourne 22nd - 26th September 2010 either here or get further information at the official British Ring website