Blackpool February 2011

Conventions, Club events, Live shows, TV shows and other performance details.

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Blackpool February 2011

Postby Mandrake » Mar 1st, '10, 19:19



dat8962 wrote:I suppose that I'm a week early to ask whose going to Blackpool next year and if anyone knows who will be in the lineup :lol:

OK, we've waited a week since this year's so here's the thread for the next one!

As most will know, the Europen FISM Championships are being incorporated with the BMS Convention and, as well as a slight increase in hprice and apprent lack of after Sunday SHow Gala Party, the registration form already indicates some differences to previous years. From the BMS Website:

The 59th year of the WORLD’S LARGEST MAGIC CONVENTION takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 18th, 19th & 20th February 2011 at the Opera House - Winter Gardens & Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, England

The Blackpool Magicians' Club are proud to announce that they will host the 1st ever FISM European Championships of Magic in 2011 as a part of their World famous Magic Convention. After extensive meetings with the FISM European Board a draft constitution was agreed forming the basis of the European FISM championships.

Blackpool is delighted to be able to welcome the FISM organisation in 2011 ahead of the 2012 World Championships. It will run the competitions alongside all of the existing lectures, shows and mammoth 125 magic dealer showcase, making the convention an even bigger experience.

The competitions will be split across two theatre venues. The Grand Theatre (which is situated 100 yards away from the Winter Gardens complex) will host the Close Up Competitions, whilst the Opera House (within the Winter Gardens itself) will host the Stage Competitions.

The Convention will be extended slightly with the competitions starting on the Friday morning of the Convention, giving an extra half day of championship magic. Our existing convention format will remain unchanged and will have all of the surprises of previous years but with the added bonus of competition excitement.

It promises to bring an exciting element to the world's most incredible magic convention. We will not be selling our usual VIP tickets for 2011 and so preferential seating will be on a first come, first served basis. so BOOK EARLY!!


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Postby pcwells » Mar 1st, '10, 19:46

Hmmm...

I've never been to the Blackpool convention.

And, having heard about the size and crowds, I've not been greatly tempted.

Plus, the amount of bad blood that surrounds one of the key names connected with the convention puts me off even more.

I love the South Tyneside convention, and make a point of going every year. But it seems to be the polar opposite of Blackpool - small, friendly and relaxed.

Is Blackpool a worthwhile endeavour?

Pete

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Postby Mandrake » Mar 1st, '10, 20:15

pcwells wrote:Is Blackpool a worthwhile endeavour?
I reckon so, the 'bad blood' stuff really doesn't have any real effect and a lot of it might just be sour grapes or due to matters not connected with the Convention. There's a very wide selection of lectures and lecturers so there will be something to suit most tastes. 130 plus Dealers mean there's a good selection of stuff on offer although I find it easier every year to resist such temptation. There's not much free time to meet & greet but The Ruskin caters for all that after hours - if you have the stamina!

I've been to the Ipswich One Day Convention several times and thorougly enjoyed the more peaceful atmosphere, I've never been to Tyneside so perhaps I ought to think about going just t get a comparison?

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Postby FairieSnuff » Mar 1st, '10, 20:31

pcwells wrote:Hmmm...

I've never been to the Blackpool convention.

And, having heard about the size and crowds, I've not been greatly tempted.

Plus, the amount of bad blood that surrounds one of the key names connected with the convention puts me off even more.

I love the South Tyneside convention, and make a point of going every year. But it seems to be the polar opposite of Blackpool - small, friendly and relaxed.

Is Blackpool a worthwhile endeavour?

Pete


Ill tell ya after south shields ... :wink:

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Postby dat8962 » Mar 1st, '10, 22:11

I can just see the scurry of people crossing from one venue to the other to catch various competitions and the queue to have your passes checked each time.

:cry:

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Postby pcwells » Mar 1st, '10, 23:50

dat8962 wrote:I can just see the scurry of people crossing from one venue to the other to catch various competitions and the queue to have your passes checked each time.

:cry:


Is it really that bad?

Sounds like my idea of Hell... :shock:

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Postby Mark Waddington » Mar 2nd, '10, 11:20

Sod the competitions, I will see you all in the bar again :D

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Postby Lawrence » Mar 2nd, '10, 13:31

Mark Waddington wrote:Sod the competitions, I will see you all in the bar again :D

What are you talking about? I've never seen you in a bar in Blackpool!

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Postby TheStoner » Mar 2nd, '10, 13:36

Forget the convention - just stay in the Ruskin for four days! :D

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Postby Lawrence » Mar 2nd, '10, 13:41

TheStoner wrote:Forget the convention - just stay in the Ruskin for four days! :D

I was tempted by this this year actually. As I couldn't afford the convention ticket I thought I might just turn up and hang out in bars. This would at least give me chance to sleep a bit more through the day.
Turns out I also can't afford to spend 3 days in a pub...

The things you give up for love, ey!

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Postby Mandrake » Mar 2nd, '10, 14:28

Passes have to be checked on entrance anyway - far too many of the public try to get in for nowt!

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Postby Mandrake » Jul 22nd, '10, 13:34

Woo-hoo, tickets arrived this morning :D !!!

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Postby Harris » Jul 22nd, '10, 18:28

I must admit after doing the whole convention thing this year, as a comparison, Blackpool comes last in my list !

South Shields !!

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Postby bananafish » Jul 23rd, '10, 08:08

yeah - but Blackpool is Blackpool. It's more about the people you meet - I will be there...

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Postby RobMagic » Jul 23rd, '10, 08:16

I agree with Banafish, its about the people there that make it count.

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