I.B.M. British Ring 85th Convention
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I.B.M. British Ring 85th Convention

Four days of world-class magic in Eastbourne — lectures, competitions, Sooty and Friends, and An Evening of Magic.

Eastbourne, East Sussex
From the Convention Archive

Welcome to I.B.M. British Ring 85th Convention

The 85th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held at the Welcome Building and Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. Featuring international performers, lectures, the Stage and Close-Up Competitions, the Sooty and Friends Magic Show, Stars Of The Future, and the Gala Show, An Evening Of Magic.

Convention Line-up

Meet the Artists

Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.

Adrien Quillien

An Evening Of Magic (Sat 7:30pm) & Lecture (Sun 1:30pm)

Bar-act magician blending cocktails and magic; presents 'Cocktails, Magic and Potions'.

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Coming from the world of hospitality and catering, Adrien has always been a fan of magic and cocktails. In his fabulous Bar Act he plays a 'Magic Madness Bartender' bubbling with dexterity — creating a real magic potion to shake and raise the audience!

Cocktails, Magic and Potions: Bar and Magic... ever wondered where the connection lies? By looking into history, Adrien discovered a close relationship: Ancient magic potions are the ancestors of cocktails, and their creators - alchemists and sorcerers - are in fact the ancestors of what we call "magicians". The bar is therefore a fantastic playground for a prestidigitator. This is a playful and original lecture that can be enjoyed and consumed without moderation!

Brian Lead

History Of Mystery (Thu 2pm)

Successor to Eddie Dawes, hosting History of Mystery and presenting a tribute to Eddie Dawes.

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As successor to Eddie Dawes, Brian will again be hosting the History of Mystery session and presenting a tribute to Eddie with the help of some special guests. Brian is one of only a handful of people to have received the Hoffmann Award for contributions to magic literature.

Collect, Collate and Communicate – A Tribute to Eddie Dawes.

Brit of Magic

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Keith Fields & Lady Sarah's double act, performing in An Evening of Magic.

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Brit of Magic is the double act of Keith Fields and Lady Sarah, performing in An Evening of Magic on Saturday night.

Keith Fields

Stars of Close Up (Sat 11:30am)

One half of Lady Sarah & Keith Fields, running The Magic Soiree comedy dinner show in Detroit.

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Lady Sarah and Keith Fields are back! They moved to the USA 15 years ago where they run The Magic Soiree in Detroit, a Magic Comedy Dinner Show which has been called "The best night out in Michigan". Prepare to laugh and be amazed as they present their unique brand of comedy magic that has literally taken them around the world.

Charlie Caper

Lecture (Sat 10am) & Show (Sun 4pm)

First magician in the world to win a 'Got Talent' show (Sweden's Got Talent, 2009); Edinburgh Fringe staple.

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Charlie started as a street performer and has played in 57 countries in 7 languages. He was the first magician in the world to win a 'Got Talent' show (Sweden's got Talent in 2009), an early trailblazer in performing with 20th century technology and robots, and is a staple at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Thoughts On Creating Magic: Charlie shares some thinking on creating magic. Character, creating material, misdirection and street performing are all topics that will be discussed.

Chris Congreave

Lecture (Thu 12pm) & Stars of Close Up (Sat 11:30am)

Professional close-up magician for over 20 years; creator of Childsplay, Omen, Roll and more.

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Chris has been a professional magician for over 20 years performing mainly close up magic at all manner of events. He has also released many practical and commercial effects such as Childsplay, Omen, Roll, The Light, Conopoly as well as a Murphy's At the Table lecture and has also written 3 books on magic.

He Has No Title For This!: Chris will be teaching some of his well known close up creations such as Childsplay and Roll as well as other commercial routines from his books.

Chris Wood

Stars of Close Up (Sat 11:30am) & Lecture (Sun 2:45pm)

Full-time performer running his own parlour show for 12 years, over 1000 performances.

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Chris is a full time performer and for the past 12 years has run his own parlour show in a variety of theatres on the outskirts of London totalling over 1000 performances. He has lectured for over 30 magic clubs in the UK and Europe and loves nothing more than talking about magic and sessioning with others.

No Theory—Just Tricks!: Although Chris loves theory and discussing all aspects of magic, as a challenge, this lecture is simply the performance and brief explanation of as many of his effects and handlings as he can fit in within the hour. He will respond to requests and questions throughout and will cover material suitable for all levels.

Christian Grace

Lecture (Fri 3pm)

London performer/creator running the 'Magic Monthly' subscription service.

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Christian is a performer and creator from London. Having released several worldwide best-selling magic tricks he now runs his own online magic subscription service called 'Magic Monthly' where he teaches his original material.

Breaking Out: Christian will share a few of his favourite tricks that can be accessed by breaking out of new deck order/popular stacks.

David Wood

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture (Sat 2pm)

Actor and magician; co-starred in IF...., The Vamp and A Voyage Round My Father; BBC's Tricky Business.

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David co-starred with Malcolm McDowell in the iconic film IF...., played opposite Shelley Winters on television in The Vamp, and alongside Sir Michael Redgrave on stage in A Voyage Round My Father. However, magic was his introduction to show business and in his teens he started entertaining at children's parties, and later toured The David Wood Magic and Music Show to UK theatres. As a children's BBC TV presenter he was a regular on Jackanory and Play Away, culminating in Tricky Business, in which he played himself (Woody) as the proprietor of a magic shop.

Griffin and Jones

Show (Thu 10:45am) & Lecture (Fri 4:15pm)

'The Pioneers of Slapdash Magic' — the original Idiot Magicians.

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The Pioneers of Slapdash Magic, and the original Idiot Magicians - fusing razor sharp, machine-gun patter, a uniquely bizarre and irreverent sense of humour, a joyously inclusive party atmosphere, and some of the most impressive, impossible magic you are likely to see! Whether playfully coercing you into playing one of their ridiculous games, demonstrating one of their hare-brained inventions, or trying to flog their own brand of miracle snake-oil, the energy remains high, the laughs come thick and fast, and the magic is thoroughly jaw-dropping.

Homemade Miracles: How to create and develop your own signature routines. Cram packed full of effects from Griffin and Jones' working stage repertoire. Routines and ideas that have been honed over many years and in front of real audiences.

Joel Dickinson

Show (Fri 7:15pm), Stars of Close Up (Sat 11:30am) & Lecture (Sun 10am)

Close-up magician performing since age 10; two decades of events and parties worldwide.

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Joel has been wowing audiences with mind-blowing close-up magic since the age of ten. With a career that skyrocketed at fifteen, he's been making events and parties worldwide unforgettable for twenty years and counting. His secret? A passion for the seemingly impossible - magic, misdirection, and entertainment right under your nose.

JezO

Show (Fri 1:30pm), Sooty and Friends Show (Sat 10:30am) & Lecture (Sat 3:30pm)

High-energy comedian; 'Car Crash Magic' was his debut Edinburgh Fringe show.

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JezO is a high-energy comedian who puts the E firmly in Entertainment. A funny man and a Man of Fun who performs stupid magic amongst great feats of wonder. Car Crash Magic is his debut Edinburgh Fringe show, an unusual blend of comedy, audience participation and magic that includes moments of danger, crazy hilarity, original illusions and JezO's unique view of today's ever changing universe.

Be more JezO: JezO has been touring the UK for many years, most recently in holiday parks full time. This lecture will be a breakdown of his family magic show as well as all that he has learnt from his debut performance at the Edinburgh fringe. Full of magic, full of silly stories and lots of comedy content.

John-Henry

Lecture (Thu 4pm) & An Evening Of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Circus performer, mask-maker and magic prop builder.

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John-Henry started his love of entertainment after getting into magic when he was around 6 years old, and he has loved it ever since. At 20 he started working with New Circus and also studied mask making at that time. In addition to working as an artist, he also builds magic props for others.

Can It!: A lecture about creativity, magic as an art form and how to create art. John-Henry will show his own wacky creations and how to build them.

Joy Spencer

History Of Mystery (Thu 2pm)

Daughter of Ron and Nancy Spencer, presenting on their life and work.

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As the daughter of Ron and Nancy, Joy is ideally placed to deliver a presentation about their life and work. Her 'History of Mystery' talk, 'Minds in Harmony – Ron and Nancy Spencer', will include clips of the pair in performance, a display of costumes and props… and even some secrets!

Louise Andrée

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Close-up, stage and illusion performer from Fife, Scotland; West End and TV credits.

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A self-confessed 'Jack of all trades' - a worker in close up as well as stage magic, illusions, kids magic, dancing and presenting. From Fife, Scotland, Louise has appeared (and disappeared!) in West End Shows 'Impossible' & 'Wonderville' and has worked on TV shows 'The Magicians', 'Now You See It', 'Breaking Magic' and 'Penn and Teller: Fool Us'. Louise loves combining her skills as both 'magician' and 'assistant' to shake up the traditional stereotypes of magic performance. Louise is also a Judge for the Close-Up Competition.

Mark James

Stage Competition: Guest Act (Thu 7:30pm)

Sleight of hand, comedy, juggling and vaudevillian variety skills.

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Mark combines expert sleight of hand magic with comedy, juggling and other vaudevillian variety skills to create a unique and amazing show. Having performed for all ages, nationalities and demographics around the world, you can be sure you're in safe hands with Mark. Mark entertains the audience during the Stage Competition judges' deliberations.

Mel Harvey

Sooty and Friends Show (Sat 10:30am)

M.I.M.C. (Gold Star); multi-talented comedy entertainer.

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M.I.M.C. (with Gold Star) and O.B.E. (One Boiled Egg), Mel is a multi-talented Comedy entertainer who has worked around the world at corporate events, in theatres, at clubs, on cruises and on television.

Michael Jordan

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Variety artiste whose speciality act 'High Jinx' spans magic, juggling, unicycling and more.

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Michael is an established variety artiste whose speciality act, High Jinx, features a wide range of live, visual family entertainment that includes magic, illusion, juggling, unicycling, escapology, stilt-walking and much, much more.

Richard Cadell

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year 1997ish; top UK illusionist.

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Richard started his show business career at the age of six making national news as the youngest Punch & Judy man in Great Britain. By the age of fifteen he had excelled at magic becoming the Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year. He went on to become one of Britain's top illusionists appearing on stage and television all over the world and has recently starred in a national theatre tour of Xtreme Magic!

Richard Cadell and Sooty

Sooty and Friends Show (Sat 10:30am)

20 years presenting The Sooty Show on stage and TV.

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Richard has now worked with Sooty for 20 years, writing and presenting over 100 TV episodes of The Sooty Show now showing every day of the year on ITVBe. Look out for Sooty, Sweep, Soo and Richard at a venue near you in Sooty's 75th Birthday Spectacular! tour.

Safire

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Illusion act that has appeared with The Chuckle Brothers, Peter Kay, Joe Pasquale and more.

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An exciting, amusing and dynamic illusion act that has appeared all over the world. Safire Illusionists have appeared with many prestigious variety performers including The Chuckle Brothers, Peter Kay, Joe Pasquale, The Grumbleweeds, Bernie Clifton, Christopher Biggins, Bradley Walsh and many more.

Yollin Lee

An Evening of Magic (Sat 7:30pm)

Korean manipulation artist; award winner in England, Spain, France and Korea.

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From Korea, Yollin is known for the elegant, theatrical presentation of his manipulation act. He has won awards from 4 countries (England, Spain, France, and Korea). Yollin joined the cast of the 'C'est la Magie' European tour which also featured members of the world's biggest magic show, 'The Illusionists'. Yollin is also a Judge for the Close-Up Competition.

Your Convention Programme

What's On

Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.

Thursday 7 September 2023
09:30

Registration Desk Open

General Welcome Building
10:30

Official Convention Opening

General Devonshire Park Theatre
10:45

Griffin and Jones: A Life Changing Magic Show!

Show Griffin and Jones Devonshire Park Theatre
12:00

Lecture: Chris Congreave — He Has No Title For This!

Lecture Chris Congreave Welcome Building Mallory Hall
12:30

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
14:00

History of Mystery

Other Brian Lead Welcome Building Mallory Hall
Presented by Brian Lead and Joy Spencer.
16:00

Lecture: John-Henry — Can It!

Lecture John-Henry Welcome Building Mallory Hall
17:00

Dealers Hall & Registration Desk Close

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
19:15

Stage Competition

Competition Devonshire Park Theatre
With special guest Mark James. Competition for The British Ring Shield Awards.
Friday 8 September 2023
09:00

Members' AGM

Meeting Welcome Building Orwell Room
10:00

Registration Desk Open

General Welcome Building
10:15

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
10:30

Close-Up Competition

Competition Welcome Building Mallory Hall
13:30

JezO: Car Crash Magic

Show JezO Devonshire Park Theatre
15:00

Lecture: Christian Grace — Breaking Out

Lecture Christian Grace Welcome Building Mallory Hall
16:15

Lecture: Griffin and Jones — Homemade Miracles

Lecture Griffin and Jones Welcome Building Mallory Hall
17:00

Dealers Hall & Registration Desk Close

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
19:15

Joel Dickinson

Show Joel Dickinson Devonshire Park Theatre
20:45

Ali Bongo Micro-Marathon

Social The Stage Door Pub
To enter, please see Rick Tynan.
Saturday 9 September 2023
09:30

Registration Desk Open

General Welcome Building
09:30

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
10:00

Lecture: Charlie Caper — Thoughts On Creating Magic

Lecture Charlie Caper Welcome Building Mallory Hall
10:30

Sooty and Friends Magic Show

Show Richard Cadell and Sooty Devonshire Park Theatre
With Richard Cadell and Sooty, JezO and Mel Harvey. Tickets not included in any registration but can be purchased direct from the Box Office.
11:30

Stars Of Close-Up

Show Welcome Building Mallory Hall
Introduced by Rick Tynan: Chris Wood, Keith Fields, Joel Dickinson and Chris Congreave.
14:00

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture: David Wood

Lecture David Wood Welcome Building Mallory Hall
15:30

Lecture: JezO — Be More JezO

Lecture JezO Welcome Building Mallory Hall
17:00

Dealers Hall & Registration Desk Close

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
19:30

An Evening Of Magic

Gala Devonshire Park Theatre
Comperes: Keith Fields & Lady Sarah. First Half: Yollin Lee, John-Henry, Michael Jordan, Richard Cadell. Second Half: Adrien Quillien, Brit of Magic (Keith Fields & Lady Sarah), Louise Andrée, Safire.
Sunday 10 September 2023
09:15

Convention Service

Other Welcome Building Orwell Room
Conducted by Rev. Alan Clarke. Undenominational. Collection for the Benevolent and Welfare Fund.
09:30

Registration Desk Open

General Welcome Building
09:30

Dealers Hall Open

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
10:00

Lecture: Joel Dickinson

Lecture Joel Dickinson Welcome Building Mallory Hall
11:30

Stars Of The Future

Show Devonshire Park Theatre
Organised by Oliver Tabor. Compered by Rafferty Coope. Performers (alphabetical): Alfie Lelliott, Arabella Crawford, Jacob Allen, Joseph Westbury, Rafferty Coope.
13:00

Registration Desk Closed

General Welcome Building
13:30

Lecture: Adrien Quillien — Cocktails, Magic and Potions

Lecture Adrien Quillien Welcome Building Mallory Hall
14:45

Lecture: Chris Wood — No Theory—Just Tricks!

Lecture Chris Wood Welcome Building Mallory Hall
16:00

Dealers Hall Closed

Dealer Welcome Building Shackleton Hall
16:00

Charlie Caper: Magical

Show Charlie Caper Devonshire Park Theatre
17:15

Installation of New President & Close of Convention

General Devonshire Park Theatre
Learn From the Artists

Convention Lectures

Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.

He Has No Title For This!

Chris will be teaching some of his well known close up creations such as Childsplay and Roll as well as other commercial routines from his books.

Can It!

A lecture about creativity, magic as an art form and how to create art. John-Henry will show his own wacky creations and how to build them.

Breaking Out

Christian will share a few of his favourite tricks that can be accessed by breaking out of new deck order/popular stacks.

Homemade Miracles

How to create and develop your own signature routines. Cram packed full of effects from Griffin and Jones' working stage repertoire.

Thoughts On Creating Magic

Charlie shares some thinking on creating magic. Character, creating material, misdirection and street performing are all topics that will be discussed.

Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture

This year's Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecturer, presented by David Wood.

Be More JezO

JezO has been touring the UK for many years, most recently in holiday parks full time. This lecture will be a breakdown of his family magic show as well as all that he has learnt from his debut performance at the Edinburgh fringe.

Joel Dickinson

A lecture from close-up specialist Joel Dickinson.

Cocktails, Magic and Potions

Bar and Magic... ever wondered where the connection lies? By looking into history, Adrien discovered a close relationship: ancient magic potions are the ancestors of cocktails, and their creators - alchemists and sorcerers - are in fact the ancestors of what we call "magicians".

No Theory—Just Tricks!

This lecture is simply the performance and brief explanation of as many of Chris's effects and handlings as he can fit in within the hour, covering material suitable for all levels.

British Ring Competitions

Competition Programme

Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.

Stage Competition

Organised and Introduced by Michael Carr. Running order of competitors: 1. Dean Raymond (North Wales), 2. Levi (Gibraltar), 3. Kevin Peel (West Sussex), 4. Daan Ho (London), 5. The Queen of Diamonds (Ellie Thornton) (East Yorkshire), 6. Andy Storm (Loughborough). During Judges' deliberations the audience will be entertained by special guest Mark James.

Competition details & rules

THE BRITISH RING SHIELD awarded only to an act achieving outstanding magical excellence. 1st Place - BRITISH RING TROPHY plus £500 for the most entertaining magic act. THEO SPEAKER CUP plus £250 for the runner up. ALASTAIR WAND plus £100 for the third prize. CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY for originality shown in effect, method, or presentation. DITTIA SHIELD awarded for Manipulation. TOM HARRIS CUP awarded for Comedy. Chair of Judges: Michael Pearce. Judges: Charles Arkin, Mandy Fletcher, John-Henry, Terry Herbert, Don Greenberg. Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Assistant Timekeeper: Terry Machin.

The British Ring Close Up Competition

Organised and Introduced by Cameron Gibson. Alphabetical order of competitors: Alex Cahill (Nottinghamshire), David Gemmell (Wales), David Noone (Merseyside), Dean Raymond (North Wales), Edward Hilsum (Kent), Ellie Thornton (East Yorkshire), Kevin Gallagher (Staffordshire), Kevin Peel (West Sussex), Robbie Stevens (Norfolk).

Competition details & rules

1st prize the ZINA BENNETT TROPHY plus £500. 2nd prize £250. 3rd prize £100. THE 'ROVI' TROPHY will be awarded for the most entertaining and skilful act using cards. Chair of Judges: Chris Congreave. Judges: Louise Andrée, Yollin Lee and Christian Grace. Timekeeper: Chris Poole. Assistant Timekeeper: Terry Machin. Stage Manager: Aidan Heritage.

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

A fun micro-magic competition, with competitors visiting as many tables as possible in around an hour and the winner decided by audience vote.

Competition details & rules

Awarded for the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Trophy.

Dealers Trophy

Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.

Competition details & rules

Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.

Dealer Exhibition

Meet the Dealers

Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.

Albion Magic

Attending Full Convention. Variety of magic props including children's magic, close up and puppets.

Visit Website

Balloon Art Wholesale

Attending Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Promoting and selling Qualatex modelling balloons which are recognised worldwide as the very best balloons!

Visit Website

Chris Congreave

Attending Full Convention. The name Chris Congreave is synonymous with commercial close up routines and ideas.

Visit Website

Equity

Attending Full Convention. The performing arts and entertainment trade union.

Visit Website

Grum Leathercraft

Attending Full Convention. Bespoke hand crafted leather products for magicians.

Visit Website

Hocus Pocus Magic

Attending Full Convention. The UK's top magic specialist, catering to performance needs in stage magic, coin magic, card tricks, clothing and much more.

Visit Website

Made To Measure Magic

Attending Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Out of retirement, David Baxter is attending the Convention with a range of Children's, Close Up and General Magic. Don't expect the sort of large display that he has provided in years gone by but everything will be at discounted prices. With no website anymore, find David on Facebook as Made to Measure Magic, or email m2mm@btinternet.com.

Mel's Magic Company

Attending Full Convention. The best magical props you didn't know you needed! (Incorporating Tom Owen's Magic.)

Red Dragon Magic

Attending Full Convention. From beginners to working professionals they have something for everyone. Every trick has been tested by the team in the real world, and they only sell the ones that get the best reactions. That's the Red Dragon promise!

Visit Website
Getting Around

Convention Venues

Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.

Main Venue

Welcome Building

Mallory Hall
Shackleton Hall
Orwell Room
Gala

Devonshire Park Theatre

Social

The Stage Door Pub

Competition Results

Convention Winners

Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.

David Gemmell

Rovi Trophy — Best Card Act

The British Ring Close Up Competition

Not Awarded

Dittia Shield — Manipulation

Stage Competition

Not Awarded

Conventioneers Trophy — Originality

Stage Competition

Not Awarded

Tom Harris Cup — Comedy

Stage Competition

Daan Ho

1st Place — British Ring Trophy

Stage Competition

Edward Hilsum

1st Place — Zina Bennett Trophy

The British Ring Close Up Competition

Red Dragon Magic

Dealers Trophy — Best Stand

Dealers Trophy

Terry Herbert

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon Winner

Ali Bongo Micro Marathon

Dean Raymond

2nd Place — Theo Speaker Cup

Stage Competition

Robbie Stevens

2nd Place

The British Ring Close Up Competition

Andy Storm

3rd Place — Alastair Wand

Stage Competition

David Gemmell

3rd Place

The British Ring Close Up Competition

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