Edinburgh International Magic Festival is making an earlier appearance for this, its ninth year, moving to spring instead of summer. The fun-packed festival opens on Friday 11 May and runs through until Saturday 19 May.
This year, the festival begins with a “Wizard World” Gathering at the Assembly Roxy on the opening weekend. DJs, live magic shows and a fantasy quiz will keep magic fans entertained, with other surprises promised throughout the night.
Some regular favourites are back, including The Secret Room at the Royal Mile Writers’ Museum and Lauriston Castle which combines close-up magic with tours of some of Edinburgh’s historic buildings. There will also be the usual Gala spectacular at the Royal Lyceum Theatre to close the festival, featuring some of the world’s best magicians.
The core of the festival is always the individual shows, and performers including Chris Cook and Vincent Gambini will be hosting their own intimate events throughout the week at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Appropriately, in Scotland’s Year of Young People, the festival will also be running a Magic School to teach magic and performance skills to children. The festival will also partner with children’s charity Kiran’s Trust to take the Magic School on the road, visiting schools right around Edinburgh.
Artistic Director, and leading magician in his own right, Kevin Quantum revealed his hopes for the festival:
“This year we want you to let your imagination fly as you immerse yourself in the best live magic the world has to offer alongside top local talent. Magic is always best when seen live, so take a chance and do something a bit different.”
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is @ Various venues, Edinburgh, from Fri 11 – Sat 19 May