South Tyneside International Magic Festival launches its seventh year with the famous magic bunny and President of the Newcastle Magic Circle, Graeme Shaw, of sponsors MagicBox. Pic by Tony Cutter.

March is set to be a magical month in North East England as the South Tyneside International Magic Festival launches for a seventh bumper year.

The climax of the week-long festival, which runs in South Shields from Monday, March 8, will be the return of the popular three-day magic convention, which is attended annually by magicians from around the world.

This year’s convention, which is open exclusively to practicing magicians and the most dedicated magic fans, will feature a mixture of master classes, lectures and close-up demonstrations, running from Friday March 12 until Sunday March 14.

Performers set to lead masterclasses during the event include Swedish magician Lennart Green, who is renowned for his unique and comedic card tricks, humourist Tim Sonefelt and American mentalist Joshua Quinn, who will be appearing in the UK for the very first time.

There will also be a very special appearance by Simon Drake, star of The Secret Cabaret and creator of the London-based House of Magic, who will be appearing exclusively via video link to talk about his experiences and answer questions from the audience.

Ticket holders for the convention at the South Tyneside International Magic Festival can also attend both of the festival’s main Gala Shows, which will be held at the Customs House on Friday March 12 and Saturday March 13, as well as being given admission and transportation to a special Midnight Show, which will be held at the Sea Hotel on Friday, March 12.

The line-up for these shows includes all three of the convention’s masterclass leaders, as well as illusionist and world-record breaking escapologist Shahid Malik, and comedian Brad Manuel, who is making his first ever visit to the UK in order to compere Friday’s Gala Show.

Award-winning British magician Richard McDougall will also be taking to the Customs House stage on March 13 for a short talk on the international magic industry, while Michael J Fitch, star of Channel 4’s Freaky Magic and the BBC show Sorcerer’s Apprentice, will present an audience with legendary magician Wayne Dobson.

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is organised by South Tyneside Council with help from former President of the Newcastle Magic Circle, Martin Duffy, Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member Culture and Wellbeing said:

“It is a real coup for the Borough to once again host entertainment from these top international performers and magic enthusiasts from all over the world. I’m certain that this will be a brilliant event with many delegates returning year after year to enjoy the great location, friendly atmosphere and professionalism of the convention here in South Tyneside.”

Tickets for the convention, which is supported by The Customs House theatre and sponsored by Newcastle-based retailer MagicBox, are priced at £65 per person, with an additional charge for anyone wishing to attend a master class session.

As well as our own news and reporting on the run up, You can get more information, including a full list of events and how to book, please visit www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. You can also check out our Guide and Room Booking section, and if you want to see what you missed last year check our live coverage from the 2009 convention