- Young people work with world-class team of magic makers
- From wizards and witches to Peter Pan and Harry Potter
Magical images created by young carers are on show in a special free-to-see exhibition of photographic illusions as part of Edinburgh’s 15th annual MagicFest.
It’s a journey of discovery where popular stories and the mysterious side of Edinburgh’s history are mixed with the magic of young imaginations.
Magical Edinburgh, is also part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, which marks the city’s 900th birthday.
The exhibition is a collaboration between partners including Edinburgh International Magic Festival (MagicFest), the Edinburgh Young Carers charity and illusion expert Professor Richard Wiseman.
Pictures include one inspired by the great Scottish writer JM Barrie’s Peter Pan – with young people in costume as Peter and the Darling children taking off from a wall at Edinburgh Castle.
Others have the young carers (aged eight to 15) as spell-casting witches, some flying on broomsticks and yet others are inspired by Harry Potter. Then there are fabulous images using mirrors and other trickery to make the seemingly impossible possible.
Iona (aged 10), said: “My favourite part of the photoshoot was when I got to wear the Wendy dress and I got to fly when we did the optical illusion of Peter Pan.”
Svetlana McMahon, MagicFest Creative Director and Producer, said: “We love working with young people, they are so creative.
“We teamed them up with top magic-makers, including Richard Wiseman, who works with the world’s most famous magicians, to let their imaginations run wild – and create a fabulous exhibition of photographic illusions.
“Many of the pictures are inspired by stories and the magical history of Edinburgh and Scotland, but ultimately it was about letting these remarkable young people show just how talented they are.”
The project involved a great deal of expertise, including special photography, costumes, props and make-up.
Locations included Edinburgh Castle, The Festival Theatre (courtesy of Capital Theatres), the Camera Obscura and The Hub (courtesy of Edinburgh International Festival).
The exhibition is at the Scottish Storytelling Centre until 26 January. Visitors are invited to figure out how each illusion was created – and there is a video taking them behind the scenes. In the video some of the 17 young people involved talk about the loved-ones they care for – including brothers, sisters and parents.
Lennon, aged 11, helps look after his mum and brother, who has autism. He said: “I talk to him and play with him so he stays calm. And with my Mum, every time she doesn’t feel well I make sure to get her the stuff she needs.”
Being involved with Edinburgh Young Carers allows the young people to meet friends, take part in activities and have fun in a friendly, supportive environment.
Gary Shaw, Edinburgh Young Carers Youth Development Worker, said: “Most of the young people who participated in the project are caring for siblings and parents.
“They often do many tasks at home normally done by an adult. They often help with cooking, cleaning, getting siblings ready for school, helping parents get dressed or undressed, making sure they have had their medication, and keeping the cared for person company – but always putting the needs of the cared for person before their own.
“Young carers often don’t have a lot of time to do activities for themselves, so the project with MagicFest was all about them, they where the stars of the show.
“Projects like this help us create long-lasting memories the young carers will cherish and sometimes they can open up a new avenue of interest for that young person.
“A lot of our families struggle financially and are unable to visit tourist attractions, so the visiting the Camera Obscura and having a behind-the-scenes tour of the Festival Theatre was just brilliant.”
The exhibition is also supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Edinburgh 900 Civic Fund and Kiran’s Trust.
Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, said: “National Lottery players can take pride in knowing that their contributions have helped people across Scotland lead more fulfilling and connected lives.”
Photoshoot partners included Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the Edinburgh International Festival and Capital Theatres.
The main run of MagicFest events and activities is 17-30 December. There will be spectacular performances at venues across the city including shows with Edinburgh’s own international star Kevin Quantum.
- Full line up and tickets here www.magicfest.co.uk.
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Notes
Exhibition listings details
Magical Edinburgh: An Exhibition of Photographic Illusions with Edinburgh Young Carers
- Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR
- Tickets: Free
- Dates: 8 December 2024-26 January 2025
- Suitability: All Ages.
The exhibition is non-ticketed, however the space is sometimes used for private events so you may wish to call ahead of your visit to ensure it will be viewable. You can contact Reception on 0131 556 9579.
About Edinburgh Young Carers.
Edinburgh Young Carers has 30 years’ experience as a voluntary organisation supporting children and young people aged 5-25, who are impacted or take on a significant caring role for someone at home. We predominately support children and young people within the North East and South East of the City of Edinburgh, our mission is to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers, giving the young people who access our service the opportunity to get a bit of respite support from their caring role and most importantly be a child or a young person.
- Find out more about Edinburgh Young Careers at https://www.youngcarers.org.uk.
MagicFest highlights include
- Christmas Special: A riotous full evening show on the big stage with new, unfiltered magic and spectacular stage illusions designed to blow your mind.
- Edinburgh Magic: Kevin Quantum unlocks hidden Edinburgh and presents the magic that’s fooled the greatest minds associated with the city, from Harry Houdini to King Charles. Objects float before your eyes, money multiplies, time stands still.
- The Secret Room: Intimate performances from some of Edinburgh’s finest mystery entertainers, in an elegant townhouse full of surprises. Featuring world-class card magician Lewis Barlow, astounding sleight-of-hand artist Tim Licata and captivating magician and mind-reader Lorenzo.
- Dan Bastianelli, Deception: Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning magician Dan Bastianelli brings his close-up magic experience to MagicFest.
- Lorenzo, Oracle: Do You Want to See the Future?: A jaw-dropping thought-reading experience that has audiences grinning, scratching their heads and wondering if they have glimpsed their personal future. A premonition party.
- Tim Licata. Close-Up & Personal: A tale of magic, the mafia and delightful deception.
Blending tricks and illusions with colourful storytelling as Chicago-born sleight-of-hand artist Tim Licata reveals his personal journey into the conjuror’s craft. - Tricky Ricky, The After Christmas, Christmas Show: Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show.
- Will Houstoun and Richard Wiseman, Magic 101: A workshop: Psychologist Richard Wiseman and sleight of hand expert Will Houstoun introduce you to the world of magic. Learn amazing tricks, explore psychology and performance skills, and discover how to astonish and entertain your friends and family. For ages 11+, family groups welcome, participants under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Dr Houstoun’s Conjuring: Discover the truth about incredible magicians of days gone by and share the doctor’s fascination with the history of magic.
- Richard Wiseman, The Invention of Magic: Celebrating magic and with illusions crafted by an unknown master, this show explores the invention of the impossible. Peek into the secret world of magic and witness the world’s greatest card trick.
- Magic Bros, Tinsel and Tricks: Step into a world of wonder with a captivating magic show presented by young, up-and-coming magicians, Logan Ford and Jamie Leonard who first appeared as part of the 2022 MagicFest Future Magicians initiative.
- Virtual Magic School: Learn to read minds, make objects appear and disappear, and other mysterious skills with a special eight-part virtual magic course from Kevin Quantum.
Full line up and tickets here www.magicfest.co.uk.
Supported by
City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh 900 Community Fund
Bookings
- Online www.magicfest.co.uk
- Phone 0131 226 0006
Booking lines are open till 21st December, Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm. During the holidays, please email [email protected]
In person: Tickets can be purchased on the day from the Festival venues, subject to availability.
Booking Fees: A booking fee of £1 per ticket is applied to all bookings, up to a maximum of £3 per transaction.
Electronic Tickets: MagicFest is an e-ticketed event so you will need to present the barcode at the top of your confirmation email on entry. This can either be on a smartphone or tablet or in printed form. If you book multiple events, the same barcode will allow entry to all the events in one transaction. If you do not have a smartphone or access to a printer, please call us to make your booking on 0131 226 0006 and we can send out the printed confirmation email in the post for a £1.50 charge.
Concessions are available for:
- Full-time students
- Senior citizens (65 and over)
- Under 16s (unless a child ticket is available)
- Disabled patrons (companions go free).
If you require wheelchair access or a complimentary companion ticket, please call our box office to book over the phone on 0131 226 0006.
Group Discounts: Available for groups of ten or more people. Please phone 0131 226 0006 for more information.
Please note the festival has a no refund or exchange policy, other than in the event of a cancellation. Booking fees are a cost incurred for processing the tickets and are non-refundable. Latecomers may only be admitted at the discretion of staff and only during a suitable break in the performance. ALL SEATING IS UNRESERVED except for the events at the Church Hill Theatre.
Festival Team
- Svetlana McMahon Creative Director and Producer
- Kevin Quantum Programming Director
- Ida Casilli Administrator and Fundraising Manager
- Scottish Festivals PR Press Office and PR
- 291 Media Digital Marketing.