Website
www.blackpoolmagic.com

Dates
Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22th February, 2009

Venue
The worlds largest magic convention happens in the northwest of England on the last weekend of February every year. The convention is held in the Winter Gardens and Opera House.

Number of Attendees
The worlds largest magic convention! Approximately 2000 magicians attend Friday and Saturday and another 1000 on Sunday.

Getting There
Planes, trains & automobiles

After Hours
The place to be in the evening is the convention hotel called The Ruskin (www.ruskinhotel.com) which is 3 minute walk from the Winter Gardens. Get there as quick as possible after the last show if you want to get a seat as it gets very, very cramped.

Accommodation
The convention hotel, The Ruskin sells out months in advance of the Blackpool weekend but it is worth checking just to be sure. Its great to know you only need to get in the lift to get to your room rather than stagger down the street especially when you’ll only be getting a few hours sleep. If you stay at the Ruskin you also may get a sneak peek at the stars of the convention first thing in the morning. Avoid the Ruskin if you plan on getting an early night, which in Blackpool means before 2.00 am because the it is very, very noisy.

Accommodation on a budget - If you can’t afford The Ruskin (approximately £35 a night) or cannot get a room there then don’t fret. Blackpool has hundreds of guest houses and hotels but the overall standard is quite poor. You can check out the Hotel Reviews section of the site for recommendations from others. On the plus side you won’t be staying in your room much and will be lucky to get a few hours sleep! You can find lots of places at around the £15 per night mark and even some at £10. All you want is cleanliness, decent shower and a plentiful breakfast to set you up for the day.

Places to eat
Blackpool is pretty cheap compared to some other places in the UK and because it is on the seaside be sure to try some fresh fish and chips. There are also some top curry houses. Where ever you eat you don’t want to be wasting your non- magic time queuing so fast food is a good option.

Possible star attendees who aren’t booked
Paul Zenon, John Thompson and Joe Pasquale are often seen floating around. Daryl and Henry Evans are also regular dealers even if they are not booked.

Tips and suggestions

• If you can’t stay at The Ruskin try and stay half way between the convention centre and the Ruskin as it cuts down on walking.
• If it’s a lecture you really want to see then skip the break and get to your seat early. Some people leave coats/bags but this is frowned on.
• Turn your mobile off in lectures, the shame is horrendous if it goes off and is insulting to the lecturer!
• Eat during the built in breaks in the day.
• Take some vitamin pills as you will be eating junk probably for the few days and you need to keep your strength up.
• Don’t spend all your money in the dealer hall on Friday night, try and pace yourself. Some bargains can be had if you wait till Sunday.
• If you want a quiet wander around the dealer hall then go whilst one of the main event lectures is on.
• If you are a Blackpool convention virgin don’t be shy about chatting to other magicians, the vast majority are friendly and accommodating.
• If you see a convention star having some time off walking around the surrounding area leave them alone. Whatever it is you have to say it can wait!
• Take your convention badge off when you leave the Winter Gardens or you’ll look like an idiot.
• Bring a bag for all the lecture notes and goodies you will be buying and put a notepad and pen in.
• Blackpool is an internet access blackspot. There are no net cafes and only 1 hotel (I’ve forgotten what its called for time being) has internet access. So forget about checking your emails for a few days.

Noel