The 49th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25, held in Southport — a week of Star Lectures, the British Ring Shield stage competition, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair and the Gala Show, World of Magic.
The 49th Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 takes place 24th–29th September 1985 at the Southport Theatre, with further events at the Prince of Wales Hotel, the Floral Hall and the Arts Theatre, Lord Street. The week brings together international performers for Star Lectures, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, the Competition for the New Silver British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Hospital and Special Venue Shows, the Ladies' Afternoon, the Convention Banquet, "Pleasures of Yesteryear", the Children's Forum and Children's Showtime, "More History of Mystery" — the Magic Collectors' Seminar, International Close-Up Magic and the Gala Show, World of Magic.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Peter Scarlett introduces Sweden's favourite Children's Entertainer, Conny Ray.
Peter Scarlett introduces the Incomparable Richard Ross, direct from Holland.
Peter Scarlett introduces Al Cohen — Magic Dealer, Comedian and Magician — bringing Magic of the Americas.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.
Organised by Alastair. Judges: Tommy Rowe (Chairman), Ilona Scarlett, David Berglas, Jean P. Fialho, Brian Sefton and Philip N. King (Director of Tourism and Attractions, Southport). Musical Director: Alfred Gabriel. Timekeeper: Tony Brooks. Stage Manager: John Palfreyman.
Rules relating to the Competition: 1. THE NEW SILVER BRITISH RING SHIELD and Cash Prize, awarded for the most entertaining magic act and held for one year. 2. THE CONVENTIONEERS TROPHY for the greatest originality shown in effect, method or presentation, held for one year. 3. THE CRAIG TROPHY, for the performance by a lady magician who, in the opinion of the judges, is worthy of this prize, held for one year. THEO SPEAKER CUP and Cash Prize for runner-up, to be held for one year. THIRD PRIZE — Cash Prize and Silver Wand presented by Alastair. TOM HARRIS CUP (Comedy), donated by Tom Harris, together with Cash Prize. DITTIA SHIELD (Manipulation).
Organised and introduced by Mike Gancia. Chairman of the Judges: Tony Shelley. Timekeeper: Doug Jones.
1st Place — the Zina Bennett Trophy plus Cash Prize. 2nd Place — Cash Prize. 3rd Place — Cash Prize.
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
The Promenade, Southport
Home to the Official Opening, A Magical Hors-d'Oeuvre, the British Ring Shield Competition, the Annual General Meeting, the Presentation of Trophies, "Pleasures of Yesteryear", the Cinema Performance, the After Banquet Show and the World of Magic Gala.
Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport
Convention Headquarters Hotel — home to the Night Before Party, Star Lectures, the Civic Reception Ball & Cabaret, the Convention Banquet, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, International Close-Up Magic, the Convention Service (Windsor Room) and the closing Cocktail Party & Installation (Ball Room).
Floral Hall, Southport
Home to the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, the Tombola Stand, the Eddie Dexter Welfare Stand, the Grand Auction and — in the Lounge Bar — "More History of Mystery", the Magic Collectors' Seminar.
Lord Street, Southport
Home to Children's Showtime.
Southport
Venue for the Cocktail Party given by the Mayor of Sefton for Overseas Visitors.
Southport
Site of Shahid Malik's outside stunt escape.
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
Close-Up Competition
Dealers Trophy
British Ring Shield Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
Close-Up Competition
British Ring Shield Competition
Close-Up Competition
This page remains part of the permanent British Ring convention archive. Explore upcoming conventions and discover more from the history of British magic.
