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The much-loved South Tyneside International Magic Festival returns next month with a double spectacular of spellbinding fun.

Some of the industry's top magicians are set to head to South Shields for the Borough's 17^th Magic Festival, with two shows taking place at The Customs House, on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October.

On the first evening, magic fans of all ages will get the opportunity to enjoy the special Family Magic Extravaganza, starting at 6pm and featuring a variety of entertainers, including festival favourites as well as some new acts, including Britain's Got Talent stars.

The Saturday evening will see audiences left mystified and amazed once again when world class magicians, illusionists and mentalists, take to the stage for the Gala Show, at 8pm.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: "South Tyneside International Magic Festival is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring events in the region's calendar. It is always extremely popular with magic fans old and new, and this year is set to be no different as it showcases ten incredibly talented performers from across the UK's magic industry.

"The festival gives us a chance to bring together magic professionals and the public for two spectacular evenings, with audiences able to see tricks and illusions performed live without the prospect of clever editing or computer-generated special effects.

"The Family Magic Extravaganza in particular is guaranteed to be a fun-filled night out for the entire family. We are sure all those who come along to the shows will be thoroughly entertained by the eclectic mix of magic, illusion and comedy."

Joining the two-hour Family Magic Extravaganza is musician turned world renowned illusionist and sleight of hand magician Maddox Dixon. From opening stadiums for Coldplay to wowing judges on Britain's Got Talent, Maddox is now gearing up to mesmerise South Tyneside audiences with his Rubik's Cube wizardry.

Father and son duo act and BGT 2020 finalists, James and Dylan Piper will also take to the stage, warming hearts and blowing minds with their unique style of magic.

Audiences can also enjoy an exciting jam-packed visual performance from High Jinx as well as lots of craziness, magic, mayhem and silly songs from the UK's Family Entertainer winner of 2018, Nutty Noah. Award-winning magician Graeme Shaw, a Magic Festival favourite and member of Newcastle Magic Circle, will compere the show.

The Saturday evening will see a new line-up take to the stage for the spectacular Gala Show.

Among those to appear is multi award-winning magician, mind reader and funny man Dave Loosley who has travelled the world performing his modern-day magic in his unique and funny way. Tom Crosbie, AKA the Performing Nerd, is also set to impress with an entertaining routine that combines his surprising skills, amazing memory, rapid mathematics and flair for comedy.

The Gala show will also feature the incredibly talented comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham, accomplished showman and master of misdirection Joel Dickinson as well as White Magic, a breath-taking act mixing magic, illusion and contortion.

Tickets for the Family Magic Extravaganza and International Gala shows are available now from The Customs House on (0191) 454 1234 or , with prices starting from £9.50 for the FME and £15 for the Gala Show.

The annual Magic Festival brings together top magicians from all over the world to showcase large scale illusions, mindreading and tricks at The Customs House, usually over three days.

The Family Magic Extravaganza and Gala Show returns after last year's Magic Festival was suspended due to coronavirus. The usual Convention that takes places as part of the festival and is exclusively designed for professional magicians, is expected to return next year.

Councillor Atkinson said: "Although the usual convention is not taking place, we are delighted to see the Family Extravaganza and Gala Show making a return, bringing a touch of magic to South Tyneside audiences this October."

This year's Magic Festival is being organised by Â鶹ÊÓƵ in partnership with The Customs House and Magicbox Newcastle and supported by BBC Newcastle.

Further details of this year's South Tyneside International Magic Festival, including the full line up for the Family Magic Extravaganza and Gala Show, is available at  www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival

For tickets visit The Customs House at  or call the Box Office on 454 1234.