|
|
Leamington & Warwick Day of Magic
14th July 2026
Reported by Dwayne Dawson
An absolute Triumph at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic!
On
Tuesday 14th July at the Lillington Working Mans Club, the Leamington & Warwick
Magic Society (LAWMS) delivered one of the biggest magic events in the Midlands,
and what a day it was! From 10:00–16:00 the venue buzzed with excitement as
visitors explored a packed dealers’ hall and enjoyed top‑tier technical lectures
from Jay Adkins, Matthew Garrett, Michael Diamond and Lee Thompson.
The feedback from attendees has been phenomenal and here are just a few snippets
of the large amount of feedback LAWMS has already received. “A wonderful day –
the lectures were top drawer and incredibly informative.” “Easy-to-find venue,
great atmosphere, and the bar being open made it slick and enjoyable.” “Huge
credit to the organisers for a cracking set of lectures, each one superb.”
A wide range of dealers provided a rich selection of magical props and tricks
giving attendees a much-needed access to such merchandise. Sprinkled into the
day were 4 lectures from some of the best practitioners in the country. On stage
were Jay Adkins, Matthew Garrett, Michael Diamond and Lee Thompson each
skilfully delivering highly entertain and informative lectures.
As day trading concluded the event seamlessly moved into the evening with the
prestigious Champion of Champions Close-Up Competition. Four outstanding
performers went head‑to‑head, expertly compered by the inimitable Paul Kybert.
LAWMS were honoured to welcome Councillor Sarah Boad, Mayor of Royal Leamington
Spa, and Councillor Simon Pargeter, Mayor of Warwick to watch the competition
and they even managed to get themselves involved in some of the acts and were
amazed by the skill and dexterity on display. Both enjoyed the night immensely
and asked to be kept informed about future events.
Judging such a talented field was no easy task, but the judging panel, after
their extensive deliberations, announced Steve Fox, Coventry Magic Circle, as
the winner and Chris Congreve, Wolverhampton Magic Society as the runner up. But
it didn’t stop as there was also the peoples champion to be announced. All
attendees were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite performer and,
the count, as verified by both mayors, came out as Chris Congreave.
Magic Matt Redmond, the visionary behind the event, shared his delight at seeing
the Day of Magic return after a long hiatus. He confirmed that enquiries for
next year are already coming in and promised an even bigger and better event in
2027. Dean Brindley, LAWMS President, closed the evening by thanking all
attendees and the hardworking backstage team. He said “We’re thrilled this event
has been so popular. Hosting a top-tier competition that will now become an
annual highlight is a huge step forward, as is organising an opportunity for
dealers and lecturers to come together to serve the magic community. We’re
grateful to both mayors for their support and we look forward to growing our
membership over the coming year.”
Dean put a call out to all, saying that all are welcome at LAWMS club nights and
he extended an invitation to come and enjoy the friendliness of the society, see
our members in action, and experience our compelling lecture programme.
Leamington & Warwick Magic Society – Where Magic Lives.
© Dwayne Dawson, July 2026