19-02-2024
For me, February is always about getting inspired and inspiring people. Uhm… isn’t that twice the same thing? Well, no. For me, they are two essential things that have a significant influence on future performances. The well-known saying, “Standing still is going backward,” also applies to the art of magic. The challenge is finding new tricks or developing a new routine with existing ones. The busy schedule gives way to gaining new knowledge and experience(inspiration) and showing potential clients what my suitcase full of magical moments can do for them(inspire). And especially the inspiration part, I would like to share with you because I get asked more often: How do you get new tricks? There are simply three answers: buy, share, or invent. But to do this, you need inspiration.
Blackpool Magic Convention 2024
Let’s start with the most fun trip of the year, which is a visit to the largest magicians’ conference in the world: The Blackpool Magic Convention. A conference for magicians? Exactly yes. In fact, every year, about 5,000 magicians from every continent travel, especially to Blackpool, England, for four days of magic, fun, and inspiration. In the Opera House of the beautiful WinterGardens, England’s largest theatre, the best artists are invited to entertain us. Those same artists will, in turn, give lectures and workshops to teach their peers cool stuff. From new tricks to presentation tips and from storytelling to music. All essential elements for a good act
In four days, I watched more than ten shows, attended 12 different lectures, spent the necessary hours in the Dealer’s Hall, and hit the English pub to get as much inspiration as possible. At the conference, I learned a lot, and with a program schedule from 09:00 in the morning till 00:30, there is a lot to do. However, the pub, in particular, is where you meet other magicians and exchange ideas. Thus, I spontaneously ran into Adrian Quellin (French champion magician) with a beer. This was on the list because he combined magic with his bartender skills. Let that be exactly something I also totally love. Thanks to Adrian, I was able to add some nice effects to my repertoire.
You might be surprised, but in the magic world, the lines are very short. At a conference, you can easily bump into your favorite magician. Over the years, I met Arturo Brachetti, Dynamo, Eric Chien, Hans Klok, Shawn Farquhar, Shin Lim, and many others. One of the artists high on my list was Mac King, a Las Vegas headliner. He is the world’s best comedy magician and a great source of inspiration for me. Using relatively few and small props to flatten a room of 2,500 spectators completely is insane! And as a bit of a fanboy, I went to get a poster with an autograph. We had another chat and closed with the words, “See you in Vegas.” Brandon, Vegas? Keep an eye on the socials because there’s something great coming up.
As you can see, there was no shortage of inspiration and fun during my visit to this conference. After four beautiful days, this annual trip comes to an end. Entirely in style, we end the last evening in the pub and turn it upside down. The locals are entertained from all sides while enjoying a delicious pint.
This results in some nice pictures (see right). With a short night behind me, I leave for the Netherlands again—this time, with a suitcase full of inspiration. Six new tricks, an entire notebook, and new connections result from a visit to the Blackpool Magic Convention 2024. See you next year, Blackpool.
