My Experience at the Visit York Tourism Awards!
Close-up Magic and awards ceremonies
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On Thursday, the 14th of March, I had the fantastic opportunity to perform some close-up magic at the Visit York Tourism awards at York’s Knavesmire. It was a truly magical night (pun intended!), filled with celebrating the incredible businesses that make York such a special place to visit. The room was jam-packed with various types of tourist-related specialists, of every size, from large chain hotels to boutique independents, from guided walks on the nasty history of York, to bijou cafes, from long-standing attractions to fresh new endeavours.
The room was buzzing as all the businesses were seated at their tables, with plenty of drinks and, of course, a fabulous three-course meal punctuating the event. Every single nominee truly deserved recognition for their impact on York’s dynamic tourism scene.
One of the suppliers up for an award was Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, so I, of course, had a bit of bias towards them as I perform magic at their venues!
Throughout the evening, I weaved my magic between the courses, leaving guests amazed and entertained. It’s always so rewarding to see the look of wonder on people’s faces as they experience a little bit of the unexpected.
I moved around the tables and mingled with guests. Award ceremonies and dinners, like this, are great places for this type of entertainment. Of course, there was a band at the end for people to have a dance to, but it’s good to have something during the event itself. It was also great to be able to promote what I do—always looking for a bit of free advertising for my own magic among hospitality suppliers!!! I feel many hospitality venues could gain a lot from having a magician—it is great publicity and keeps people coming back!
The organisers did a fantastic job, with the amazing food, live band, having me, and of course, the winners’ presentations. I want to shine a bit of the spotlight on the winners, so here they are!
- Business Event Venue of the Year (sponsored by Business Enterprise Fund): The Guildhall, York
- B&B and Guest House of the Year (sponsored by York Roast Co): MonkBridge House
- Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year (sponsored by Morrell Middleton): High Oaks Grange
- Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year (sponsored by North York Moors National Park): Christmas at Castle Howard
- Experience of the Year (sponsored by LNER): The Deathly Dark Tours
- Independent Business of the Year (sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group): The Deathly Dark Tours
- Large Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Streamline Taxis): The Grand, York
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by Ward Hadaway): The York Dungeon
- New Tourism Business Award (sponsored by PPS Essentials): The Wizard Walk of York
- Pub of the Year (sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd): The Lime Tree Inn
- Retailer of the Year (sponsored by York BID): The Potions Cauldron
- Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (sponsored by Pyper York): 101 House At The End
- Small Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Booking.com): The Pheasant Hotel
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by Shambles Market): World of James Herriot
- Taste of England Award (sponsored by Fowlers of York): Legacy at The Grand, York
- The Best of York Award (sponsored by York St John University): The Wizard Walk of York
- Hospitality Hero Award (in partnership with Hospitality Association York): Indra Petersone from Hilton York
And to finish, a fantastic reaction to some of my magic tricks. I absolutely adore the energy and excitement at these events. If you want to experience the same awe-inspiring responses, please don’t hesitate to reach out and book me for your next event!
Away from the stage, Adrian holds a Master's degree in Early Modern History from the University of York and occasionally volunteers at York Castle Museum in Victorian costume. When he's not performing magic, you'll usually find him building models, reading, gaming, or exploring his passion for history.
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