Tickets are selling fast for the seventh annual South Tyneside International Magic Convention, with magicians and enthusiasts travelling from around the globe to attend.

This year’s event, which takes place in South Shields from March 12 to 14, looks set to be one of the best attended yet with delegates coming from around the UK as well as other parts of Europe, including the convention’s first Icelandic attendee.

Performers leading masterclasses include Swedish magician Lennart Green, 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 answering questions from the audience via video link.

Ticket holders for the convention also receive reserved seating at two Gala Shows which are being held as part of the wider South Tyneside International Magic Festival on Friday March 12 and Saturday March 13, as well as admission and transportation to a special Midnight Show on Friday, March 12.

The line-up for these shows includes all three of the convention’s masterclass leaders, as well as world-record breaking escapologist Shahid Malik, and comedian Brad Manuel who is making his appearance in the UK 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 state of 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.

Tickets for the three-day 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.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member Culture and Wellbeing said: “The Magic Festival is always well attended and this year we are delighted to be welcoming performers and magic fans from around the world, who I’m sure will make the most of what the convention and the region has to offer.”

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