Conwy Pirate Weekend 2014

One of the great things about being entertainers is all the fabulous events we get to attend. It’s always a great excuse to dress up in costume and really get into character.

This last weekend, we were at the Conwy Pirate Weekend, the third year of this annual event. Unfortunately it was very wet and overcast on Saturday, which meant that we were all very soggy pirates, but it was more than made up for by the brilliant sunshine on Sunday.

There were loads of events and activities over the weekend: barrel rolling and barrel carrying competitions, a real live mermaid, an 18th century pirate camp, a pirate ship attacking the quay which had to be fended off by cannon fire, and all kinds of stalls and stores.

The crowds were kept entertained by Harley the Clown, Roslyn Walker, Tom Mason & the Blue Buccaneers, as well as Clerical Error Morris Dancers, mermaid Toni Mishell and others. We  told the magical tale of “Captain Gatling’s Journey of Wonder”, and Jay was also the voice of the event, giving announcements all day, and providing commentary on the events, and introducing the acts.

As always, Bernie the Bunnie came along with us, and this time, he decided that he wanted to dress up too. He met lots of new people, but some of the pirates were a bit fierce… although he did eventually get his revenge!

Huge thanks to everyone at HTC Entertainments and Events for all their hard work in making the event such a success.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Conwy Pirates website to get all the news about next year’s event, and be sure to like their Facebook page.

Seaside Special – Llandudno Summer Shows 2014

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Seaside Special returns for another year of summer variety shows at Llandudno Town Hall.

Starring:

  • Mel Blake – Comedian
  • Rachel Silva – Vocalist
  • The Linzi Grace Dancers

2014 also sees the première of Gatling Magic’s new act, the Mystic Emporium. This exciting new venture will transport you back in time to an old Victorian curio shop, full of magic and wonder.

The shows started on the 21st of May, and continue every Wednesday evening throughout the summer until the 1st of October. Doors open at 7.15pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £6 each, and all proceeds go to Happy Faces Children’s Charity.

Llandudno Summer Show – Seaside Follies 2014

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Seaside Follies is a variety show that takes place every Wednesday over the summer from the 21st of May to the 1st of October at Llandudno Town Hall.

The show features comedian Mel Blake, singer Rachel Silva and the Linzi Grace Dancers. 2014 sees the first performances of Gatling Magic’s brand new stage act, the Mystic Emporium.

This will be our sixth year with the show, and we can’t wait to be working with all our friends again.

The shows start at 8pm. and tickets are just £6 with all proceeds go to Happy Faces Children’s Charity.

Oxjam Llandudno – Jamming by the Sea

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Oxjam Llandudno is an acoustic and accapella music night in Club 147, as part of Oxfam’s nationwide, volunteer run, music festival Oxjam. The night will open with a short DJ set, and then there will be a full evening of brilliant music and information on Oxfam’s current campaigns. So come and join us on November the 15th for a brilliant night of fun, fundraising and great music!

  • An opening DJ set from Groove Van Soul (Tudno FM, 107.8 fm) B2B with Out of Controls, DJ Johnstone (from Swansea)
  • Kiana Rotcelle – accapella indie solo act
  • Al Manouch – acoustic traditional folk solo act,
  • Kris Saber – accapella blues jazz solo act,
  • Vanessa Torisheju Akehurst -acoustic accapella funk blues act,
  • Rich Ashton – acoustic indie solo act.
  • Luke James – acoustic indie solo act
  • Heidi Evans – folk, indie, blues acoustic solo act
  • You will be guided through the nights entertainment by compère and magician Jay Gatling.

Tickets for Oxjam Llandudno will be available from Club 147 and will cost £3. Tickets will also be available on the night

Take a look at the official Oxjam Llandudno page for full details.

Check out the Oxjam Llandudno event on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news:

You can donate via the Oxjam Llandudno JustGiving page

“Oxjam is a volunteer-run fundraising venture on behalf of Oxfam GB (Registered charity no. England & Wales 202918, Scotland SC03942) All profits from individual Oxjam events go to Oxfam GB”

Review of Seaside Special in the Budget

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Jay and I are both members of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and we had a lovely surprise when we opened our copy of this month’s Budget magazine.

As you can see, Maggie Tucker saw Seaside Special recently, and came backstage to chat with us after the show.

It’s always nice to know that people have enjoyed watching us,  and the shows that we take part in.

This was the best £6.00 I’ve spent in a long, long time.

Jenna Grace, a vocalist, sang (amongst others) a song from Les Misérables as expertly as that from the actual stage and film productions. She was excellent. Mel Blake is a top TV comedian and it showed… very funny. The Linzi Grace Dancers performed four times during the show and were very energetic and fast paced. Now to the magic…

Jay Gatling performed a lovely solo spot in the first half with a series of entertaining rope effects. Then, in the second half, Jay & Amelia, as Elemental, wowed the audience with their illusions and manipulations. It was good to see so many original touches that no doubt helped to secure them two British Ring prizes, in 2011, including the Dittia Shield for manipulation. Jay’s manipulative skills, on this night, were outstanding and he and Amelia worked so well together in the second half.

I was pleased to be able to chat with them backstage after the show, and congratulate them on two terrific performances. The two hours just flew by.

I highly recommend magicians and their families to see this show, especially when you realise that ALL the proceeds go to a charity that helps sick and disabled children in North Wales.”

The Budget, September 2013

Seaside Special is on at the Town Hall in Llandudno every week until the 2nd of October, and all proceeds go to Happy Faces Children’s Charity. Click here for more information.