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 reasons to register for Eastbourne:

The Gala Show: Rich Bloch makes a welcome return as MC and introduces a strong international line up of new and returning magic and variety acts. From the USA, Charlie Fry and Company return with their incredible juggling. From France, Les Black Fingers return with their entertaining hand shadows. Last year Sooty was a big hit in the Children’s Show at Southport. This year Sooty makes a return to the main gala show, assisted by Richard Cadell. From Canada, we have the award winning magic of Richard Forget. Cyril Harvey is an award winning magician from France. His FISM act with spinning tops is original and intriguing.

Manuel Muerte is a German with a sense of humour! You can see his FISM Mice act here:

He is a member of the excellent German “Flicking Fingers” Group and he also performs a comedy stage act, clad in a blonde toupee and impersonating an ageing magician! Manuel is another exciting addition to the Eastbourne Gala Show. Making a return to our gala show after many years is Flip from Holland, inventor of the flip stick and many other magical originalities. Last but not least we have the winner of the Illusion Category from the last FISM. Julius Frack from Germany presents his award winning illusions in our Eastbourne Gala Show.

“The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon”: A real world close-up magic competition and tremendous fun, where the performers stroll and the winner is decided by audience vote.

Balloon Modelling Workshop: Once more Mike Stokes performs unnatural acts with latex rubber, as he returns with his workshop on this popular allied art

Stage Competition: The British Ring Shield Competition offers a chance to see new and original acts, with additional awards for comedy, originality and manipulation. The winner of this competition will be sponsored by the British Ring to enter the FISM Europe stage competition in Blackpool next February.

Dealers’ Magical Trade Fair: This is your chance to browse the latest, ask for advice and watch live demonstrations. Many dealers offer special deals for the convention. This year sees the return of the Dealers Showcase, a chance for you to see the latest and compile your shopping list, without having to walk around the dealer’s hall. Bob Hamilton will provide video coverage, so you can watch the latest in close up as well.

Lectures for Children’s Entertainers: Jimbo, AKA Jimmy Carlo presents a lecture aimed at Children’s Entertainers.

Marketing Lecture: It’s not all about tricks! Bob Yelland looks at how magicians might benefit from using some of the marketing techniques used by big business.

Stars of the future: A chance to see some up and coming new magical talent.

The Wednesday Night Cabaret: An opportunity to drink and watch good magic! Viv Davies (Mysteeny) will introduce the amazing Charlie Fry and Company, the acerbic wit and strong mental magic of Graham P Jolly and the comedy musical skills of Pluck.

More History of Mystery (The Collectors’ and Others’ Seminar): The British Ring Convention caters for a wide range of magical interests. Here you will find a selection of short talks about various aspects of the history and heritage of magic. It makes a nice change from learning a new trick!

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