A kind of magic is on its way to South Shields for lucky 13th year

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival (STIMF) is returning for the 13th year and kicks off on Wednesday, March 9 at the Customs House, South Shields.

Magician John Archer, from Stockton-On-Tees, has been part of the festival since the very beginning. This year, as well as performing at one of its Gala Shows, he’s helping South Tyneside Council to organise the five-day event.

He said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival has established itself as one most popular and unique events, not just on the North East calendar but amongst the worldwide magic community too.

“I have attended and performed at the event for many, many years and I absolutely love it. This year I’m lucky enough to be making my mark behind the scenes and I’m confident that the audience will enjoy all the great acts that myself and South Tyneside Council have booked for them.”

John, 55, has won several awards, including The Magic Circle’s Stage Magician of the Year, performed for the King of Saudi Arabia and become the first person to bamboozle world-famous magic duo Penn and Teller on their ITV talent show, Penn and Teller: Fool Us.

Graeme Shaw, is starring in the Family Magic Extravaganza show and has helped organise the evening in his role as a business partner for event sponsor, MagicBox.

He said: “I was given a Paul Daniels magic set when I was nine and would perform shows for my brothers and sisters as well as at the old folk’s home where my mum worked at the time.

“I’ll be putting a new slant on a famous magic trick at the South Tyneside International Magic Festival this year. I can’t wait to unveil what I’ve been working on and for everyone to enjoy the amazing line-up we have for the Family Magic Extravaganza and the festival as a whole.”

Tickets for all shows are on sale at www.customshouse.co.uk or by calling 0191 454 1234.

A full line up for the festival can also be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival