MAGICIANS are set to converge on Ipswich for the biggest magic show and convention ever organised in the town.

MAGICIANS are set to converge on Ipswich for the biggest magic show and convention ever organised in the town.

Preparations for the International Gala Magic and Comedy Show are well under way and the organising team from Ipswich Magical Society today said they were expecting an unprecedented turnout as some of the best magicians visit the town.

Among the magicians who will be performing at the event is Chinese-born Juliana Chen, the only woman ever to win the Magic World Championships, who will be flying in from her show in Las Vegas.

Simon Shaw, Ipswich Magical Society secretary, said: “This will be one of the highlights of Ipswich's year.

“We have always had a waiting list for return ticket sales, so moving to a larger venue, we hope there will be no disappointments this year.”

The show - the 20th to be organised by the society - is making a return to Ipswich after being held in Needham Market for the last ten years.

It has become so popular that it has outgrown the Needham Market venue and this year's show will be held at the Corn Exchange on Sunday, October 21.

During the day magicians and those interested in magic will attend a convention where magic dealers will be selling their wares. There will also be magic lessons and four of the UK's top magicians on show.

Mr Shaw, a semi-professional magician who lives in Rougham, said: “For the magician's convention we get people from all over the country and occasionally people from abroad as well.”

In the evening the doors will be open to the public for the International Gala Magic and Comedy Show when Chen will perform.

Among the other well-known acts taking to the stage will be mind-reader Graham P Jolley and Oliver Tabor, whose act combines violins, music and doves.

Mr Shaw said of Chen: “She's very impressive. What she does is incredible.”

The evening show is suitable for all ages and will include a variety of magic acts including illusionists, comedians, mind-reading and children's and classic magic.

Tickets for the evening show are £10 for adults and £5 for children. Doors open at 7pm with the curtain up at 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk/eveconv2007gala.htm or to book tickets for the evening show call the Corn Exchange box office on 01473 433100.

Are you organising an event you would like us to cover? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Did you know?

Ipswich Magical Society is one of Ipswich's oldest active clubs and it dates back to 1928. It still has more than 60 members.