This post was written to introduce BMC to anyone not familiar with this convention. For those attending for the first time, do also look at our beginners guide here to BMC that give advice on attending here and advice I can pass on.
Every year in Blackpool, the largest magicians conference in the world is held. About 5,000 magicians attend what is known as the BMC – Blackpool Magicians Conference.
For anyone who enjoys magic, this is the ultimate weekend. At time of writing, it is just three weeks away and starts on Friday the 14th of February. An annual event of three days of gala shows, satellite shows, lectures and magic dealers/shops.
Many who visit BMC just attend for the dealers with every major magic dealer represented as many fly in especially. I. Certainly plan to make more of the dealers on display this time which will be my second time attending BMC. The last time being in 2023.
While admission is fairly reasonable for what you get, it is expensive to go every year by the time you add on spending money, transport and accommodation. I have a weekend Gold Pass that includes entrance to all events and gala shows. A packed and busy weekend that can be tiring but of course is a break for me to enjoy my hobby and meet many of the friends that I have made in the industry. Many attendees of course also fly in from worldwide.
Planning all the events and what I want to do was relatively easy as BMC released an app that shows all the dealers and schedules for shows and lectures (iOS link here and android here). While it can be difficult to avoid clashes, I have been able to plan potentially everything I want to see without issues. This is partly down to the convention running many events twice and the app allowing me to organise logistics in advance. The app allowing me to set calendar entries and reminders.
Personally, I am looking forward to a lot of socialising. While travelling and staying on my own, I know many magicians and industry friends. I can’t wait to see friends that I know are attending as everyone gets hyped for the event. Socially, I will be going to “The House of Secrets” which is a magic bar nearby the venue. Many magicians also hang out at The Ruskin pub/hotel. No doubt I will visit but unlikely to go as much as many others do. This venue almost being thought of as the main meeting place for magicians outside of official BMC events.
I managed to get a decent hotel very near the event which is half board and a short walking distance. As it includes breakfast and dinner, I don’t need to worry about finding a decent meal. Like many, last time I lived off the chippy and Greggs but as off season, not many choices. The varied menu at the hotel solves that issue.
On my day of arrival, I have a few hours train journey. As arriving on the Thursday (day before official start), I am planning a couple of extra magic events including House of Secrets, Showtown museum and The Evolution of Magic show at the Horse Shoe Show Bar in the evening.
Other highlights for the weekend are the evening Gala shows. These are always amazing showcases of the best magical performers/talent. Many international performers who you would not necessarily get to see otherwise in the UK perform. Max Fulham is also hosting on Friday and he is very funny ventriloquist. I have seen him perform a few times and he is always hilarious. When the Gala shows are on, a couple of satellite shows also run. This year the shows include Cillian O’Connor, Chris Dugdale, Rick Thomas, Jack Rhodes, Insane Magic and Cody Fisher. All big names in magic.
As magic is my hobby, I also collect signed items including playing cards and gaining selfies. I don’t doubt that BMC will not disappoint on that front.
Lectures wise, the days are full of choices with the biggest names in magic that you can learn from. Each day I have planned to attend some of the best lectures including Chris Dugdale, Oliver Tabor, Jonathon Goodwin, Michael Ammar and Asleigh Goodwin.
The venue for BMC is hosted at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and is a massive space with loads of room for lectures, theatre show, dealers and more. A venue that becomes a thriving hub for the magic community during the event dates. It also has bars available for breaks and winding down.
If you already have your tickets, like me, you probably cannot wait. If you are on the fence or hearing about this event for the first time, tickets are still available.
Here is a gallery of just some of my last BMC adventures and many magicians I met.
BMC is the biggest event for magicians – bring it on!
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