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It's no illusion - resort is magic!
MAGIC is in the air in Blackpool this weekend.
In a puff of brilliant smoke the 58th annual Blackpool Magic Convention appeared in The Winter Gardens.
It is expected to draw 3,500 visitors from around the world during the weekend.
The Empress Ballroom has been transformed into an Aladdin's cave of the weird and wonderful as more than 150 traders gather to sell their wares.
From enchanted rings and strings to brightly coloured silk scarves, rabbits in hats and even Rubik's cubes – nothing is quite what it seems.
As balloon modellers twist their rainbow coloured creations, scores of cards, coins seemingly vanish into thin air.
One ambitious magician has got his sights set higher however with plans to make Blackpool Tower disappear.
Andrew Green, co-organiser of the event said: "It literally is just magic, magic, magic in Blackpool this weekend – there's no other event like this anywhere in the world.
"There is loads of weird and wacky goings on with lectures, competitions and trade stands, I know one performer has been filming in the resort with a view to making the Tower disappear so that should be interesting.
"It's nice to see the same faces returning year after year, the regulars know Blackpool really is the world centre of magic."
As for the The Tower trick – it is a case of watch this space, or is that the skies over the weekend.
Blackpool has been named as the venue for the World Magic Championships in 2012 – a competition compared to the Olympics for magicians.
The news created an excited buzz in the trade Hall. David Penn, 35, from Northampton said: "I've been to the show every year since I was 15 so Blackpool really has a special place in my heart.
"I'm delighted it will host the Magic Championships, it is the perfect venue for it and we always get a warm welcome.
"It is nice to see all the regeneration work in the town centre, it's a massive improvement and I've really noticed the difference the last few years."
Sandy Marshall travelled from Chicago with his stall Magic Inc to lecture in Blackpool for the first time.
He said: "The Empress Ballroom is a beautiful venue and really adds a certain something special to the event.
"I've never been before but the atmosphere is great and I hope to return in future years."
Blackpool will also host the European Magic Championships next year as a qualifier to the World Championships in 2012.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
