IT WAS always a place that could pull delights out of its hat but Southport is going to be especially magical ... just like that.
More than 1,000 conjurers, professionals and amateurs from 25 countries, are heading for the resort for the British conference of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM).
They will gather in the Floral Hall to demonstrate tricks, sell magical items and pick up a few hints for their acts during the six-day convention.
And although the members-only event is cloaked in secrecy, some magicians will be out on the streets to showcase their magic to the public.
Richie Smith, IBM official and secretary of Liverpool Magic Circle, said: "The whole idea of the convention is to nurture magical talent.
"There are competitions for the best close-up and stage tricks, as well as one for the best children's entertainer.
"It is also a way for like-minded people to get together. We meet up around the country, and it is very useful because there are more than 40 stands selling and demonstrating tricks you can buy for your act.
"It gives you a chance to see someone else's slant on a trick you might do yourself, so you can take it on board. You might like something in their performance you can use yourself."
Alarm engineer Mr Smith, 52, from Southdene, who holds the world record for the longest magic show (30 hrs 45 mins), said the event was one of the most important on the magicians' calendar.
He added: "There are people who do ordinary jobs who will be booking the week off. This is their holiday - that's how passionately they feel about magic.
"It is a great occasion, because there is no discrimination. You get professionals, semi-professionals, amateurs, and people who just love magic, and they all get treated with the same reverence."
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