The Magic of Christmas Parties in Devon

Every family has that uncle. You know the one — he turns up in a Christmas jumper that lights up, insists he “only drinks a bit at Christmas,” and is somehow still going strong at midnight when everyone else is asleep on the sofa. 

 

At one Christmas party in Exeter, I was mid-way through a card trick when Uncle Dave (we’ll call him that to protect his dignity) shouted: “Oi, if you can make this glass of sherry disappear, I’ll give you a tenner!” 

 

Challenge accepted. 🍷 

Let’s just say sleight of hand and a willing nephew meant the glass did vanish. Uncle Dave, however, never found his sherry again. 

Yes, Christmas weddings are beautiful. Fairy lights, mulled wine, and mistletoe everywhere… what could possibly go wrong? 

At one magical winter wedding near Torbay, I was entertaining guests between courses when an argument broke out on the dance floor. By the time the DJ dropped “Last Christmas,” two cousins were squaring up like it was the World Cup Final. 

 

Don’t worry — nobody got hurt (apart from some bruised egos). And, thanks to a well-timed magic trick with a deck of cards, I managed to distract the children so they only remembered the amazing magic show and not the family drama. Win-win. 

Performing magic in family homes around Plymouth and Devon often means one thing: pets. 

 

At one party, the family dog decided it was his moment to shine. Just as I was about to reveal a signed playing card, he charged across the living room, straight into the Christmas tree. 

 

Baubles smashed, tinsel flew, and Granny nearly spilled her mulled wine. The tree survived (just), and the dog became the real star of the show. The kids still talk more about the “Flying Labrador Trick” than any sleight of hand I performed. 

Children at Christmas are magical… until they’re not. 

 

At one family party in Devon, a little boy was having the time of his life watching my tricks — until he realised he didn’t get to keep the magic wand. Cue tears, stomping, and a dramatic flopping onto the floor that any actor in the West End would have been proud of. 

 

Luckily, I had a balloon model up my sleeve (not literally, although that would be a good trick). One balloon sword later, peace was restored, and the magic continued. 

Christmas is about bringing people together — families, friends, and colleagues. And sometimes, amidst the spilled drinks, barking dogs, and epic toddler meltdowns, you need a little something that makes everyone smile. 

 

That’s where close-up magic shines. Whether it’s making mince pies vanish (don’t worry, I replace them), producing laughter from children, or giving adults something to talk about other than the in-laws, magic adds that extra sparkle.