HIRE A CHILDREN'S MAGICIAN
I understand that planning an event, be it a birthday party, a school function, a festival or a family gathering, can be a time consuming and sometimes difficult task. You may not have hired a magician before, so let me give you the benefit of over 1500 events, performed over the past 20 years.
I'm here with a my party planning blog posts, and these FAQs. My goal here is to make sure that you get the best entertainment for your event (and if that's not me, I'll say so). Hopefully, this makes your experience as seamless as possible, and your event the best it can be.
ABOUT THE MAGIC
My magic shows are primarily designed for children aged 5 and above, with a specific specialism for ages 8 and above. This ensures that the magic is engaging and suitable for the children's understanding. However, I also perform at family events and festivals where audiences of all ages are present.
Choosing a magician to entertain at your event can be tricky if you've never done it before, but there are a few clues that can help you to be confident they have what it takes to create an awesome party / event for your celebration.
Photographs: My website is packed with photos from live events (not just generic photoshoots). If you want to create something similar to what you see in those images, it's probably worth us having a chat.
Reviews: I've also got multiple five star reviews on Google. You can check some of them out below.
Experience: I don't know how to prove this one to you, but I've been performing magic since 2001 and have attended over 1500 events. That experience has taught me exactly what's required in order to create a fun magic show and party.
If you're still unsure, let's talk. I'm confident that if you talk to me (and that really is the best way to get a feel for someone) you'll be satisfied I know what I'm talking about.
Yes, I can accommodate larger groups. However, for larger groups, it's vital that the logistics are thought out well in advance. If you let me know more about your event, such as how many people are attending and what sort of space you have available, I'll be able to advise you on sound, lighting and staging, and also where to hire the equipment from if required. It's probably best to talk through this sort of thing over the phone. I'm on 07792 129 828.
Most of my bookings are for the Party Magic Show, which includes a 50 minute magic show, for up to 35 children. This one is great for hired venues such as village halls and community centres, so it's perfect for birthday parties.
Most children's parties in the UK are two hours long, so this covers half of the party, and means in the second half, you could run some party games or hire a bouncy castle. I can also provide balloon modelling too, and many people choose to add on this popular extra.
Learn more about my magic at birthday parties.
Yes, in addition to magic shows, I can also offer balloon modelling, which is a great way to keep the fun going even after I've left. Party games, in collaboration with one of my excellent children's entertainer colleagues, is another popular option.
For longer parties, I'm often asked to stay for an extra hour to provide party music and close up magic for both children and adults
And I'm also able to provide magic workshops to schools and festivals.
SETTING UP THE SHOW
As well as space for the children to sit (usually on the floor), there should also be an area for me to set up the show. Here's a guide to the space I need for each of my shows.
My Small Magic Show is designed for homes and apartments, and can squeeze up or stretch out as required.
My Party Magic Show is best with a set up space of about 3m x 3m. A stage is preferred but not necessary. A safe plug socket is also required.
My Grand Magic Show requires a set up space of about 3m x 3m. A stage / raised platform is highly recommended. A safe plug socket is also required.
It's worth noting, I always recommend booking my show before the venue as there are more suitable venues than there are quality magicians / entertainers, and I can help you to find the most suitable venue.
If there are any doubts, it's best to discuss your specific venue at the time of booking to ensure the space will be suitable.
I can perform outdoors, but I advise against it for several reasons.
- Even light wind can disrupt my props resulting in a less than professional show.
- The weather is unpredictable. Wet weather may necessitate last minute changes, but temperature and sun exposure are also important, often overlooked, factors in outdoor settings. Who will have the sun in their eyes, or burning on the back of their neck?
- For large events (100 people +) effective sound propagation outdoors requires a sophisticated sound system that sometimes needs to be arranged separately.
I would highly recommend considering an indoor venue or ensuring a suitable indoor alternative is available on the day. Please remember, that I've done this before in both poor uncomfortable conditions and excellent well thought out facilities. And I want you to have the best magical experience possible. Please reach out to me if you want to discuss this further. I'm on 07792 129 828.
As a children鈥檚 magician, I tend to cover:
- Staffordshire - Stafford, Stone, Cannock
- West Midlands - Birmingham, Wolverhampton (sometimes, Coventry)
- East Midlands - Ashbourne, Uttoxeter, Burton on Trent
- (sometimes Telford too)
See the map below to check your location.
Please get in touch wherever your event is taking place, I can travel across the UK or recommend a local colleague.
BOOKING PROCESS
Most bookings are made two to three months in advance, however, it is advisable to book as far in advance as possible, especially for peak times such as weekends and during the school holidays.
I can sometimes accommodate last minute bookings, so please don't hesitate to contact me to see if I'm available. Even if I can't help, I'm well connected with other magicians and entertainers so may be able to recommend a colleague.
While I understand that different events have different budgets, it's important to note that not all magic shows are the same.
It's always going to be more expensive to hire a professional magician who understand what it means to put on a performance, than it will be to hire a general entertainer who bought a few tricks off the shelf and simply demonstrates them.
Likewise, it will cost more to hire someone with 20 years of experience than someone who is just happy to fill up their back pocket while they're on a gap year.
The price of my shows reflects not only the time of the performance itself but also the set up time in the week before your event, and the years of experience I bring.
I've found that this level of professionalism gives my clients the peace of mind to know they are hiring a reliable professional.
While I'm not the cheapest magician, I'm confident the price I set is fair. I know it is because I perform at that price regularly and consistently get great feedback about the excellent value for money and memorable experiences I provide. You can read some of those comments below.
An up to date guide to my prices can be found on my prices page. This only shows the prices for a specific type of show, and for weekends, where the event falls between my two time slots - 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm.
If you're looking for something different (close up magic, a magic workshop, multiple shows), then please get in touch with me to discuss your event.
It's a simple process.
1. CONNECT
Get in touch and tell me the details of your event. To best help you out, it's useful to know:
- date
- time
- venue address and postcode
- age range of children
- number of children (and number of adults, if they are to be entertained too)
- what the celebration is for
2. DISCUSS
I'll reply by email (or a phone call) to explain what I provide and what I would recommend for your event. If I'm not available or not the best magician for your event, I'll let you know and can connect you with a colleague.
3. AGREE
If you are happy to go ahead I'll send you a link to a short form so that I can collect any other outstanding details and your contact details.
And then, I'll email you a booking agreement as a PDF document for you to check the details and pay the booking fee.
4. ENJOY
Once you've confirmed that everything is correct and paid the booking fee, you're booked in and can start looking forward to your event.
If you get stuck at any point you can reach out to me by email or on 07792 129 828.
Of course, I will also always get in touch with you a few days before the event to touch base and double check everything.
Once you have paid the booking fee, you are in my calendar, and I don't take any other bookings for that time. I have never cancelled a show. However, if due to unforeseen circumstances I can鈥檛 attend your event, I have a list of excellent magicians who can provide cover. I'll ask one of those to step in on my behalf and I'll sort that out first, so that when I contact you, I am calling you with a solution, not a problem.
This is an important question if you are looking to hire a magician. I'm so glad you are interested in this one. I carry public liability insurance organised for me by Equity (the performing artist's union). This gives us both peace of mind, in the very rare chance that something unfortunate should happen. If your venue needs to see my insurance certificate, just let me know, and I'll send it across to you, or to them directly.
If you don't find the answer to your question here, or if you need further clarification on any point, please reach out to me.
Finally sitting down to write this after a crazy but amazing day! From the second I contacted Ed with the enquiry until he left the event, he has been nothing short of amazing. The booking process was smooth and easy and no question was left unanswered. I highly recommend Ed.
GET IN TOUCH
I'm always excited to hear about your plans, and how my magic shows might fit in with your event. Complete the form below and I'll get back to you very soon.
Ed is a professional magician, whose magic shows are perfect for family festivals, schools and children's parties. He mainly covers Stafford, Staffordshire, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, but can also travel across the UK or recommend a local magician near you.
Ready to find out more?
Get in touch today!