The Dream Becomes Reality: The First-Ever Alakazam Magic Convention

This is a blog post I’ve been waiting a long time to write—25 years, to be exact.

That’s how long we’ve been dreaming about hosting a full-blown Alakazam Magic Convention. Over the last two and a half decades, we’ve talked about it, planned bits of it, and even came close to pulling the trigger a few times. But as anyone who’s ever tried to organise an event like this will tell you, there’s one thing that can make or break the entire idea: location.

And that, my friends, has been our biggest hurdle—until now.

Why Location Matters

Putting on a magic convention isn’t just about getting a few performers in a room and calling it a day. It’s about crafting an experience. And for that to happen, the venue needs to tick several crucial boxes:

• ✅ Easy access via public transport

• ✅ Comfortable, high-quality facilities

• ✅ Food and drink on-site or nearby

• ✅ Places to relax, chat, and jam between events

• ✅ Hotels within walking distance

• ✅ And of course… a bit of that magical vibe

We’ve spent years scouting potential venues, and while some were okay, “okay” was never going to cut it. At Alakazam, we’ve always held ourselves to a higher standard. Whether it’s the products we create, the content we deliver, or the events we host, we want to aim for great—not just good enough.

From Coincidence to Convention

Funny how life works sometimes.

We are getting ready to release a new magic effect and wanted to shoot the trailer somewhere a little special—in a cinema. It just felt right for the product and the story we wanted to tell. So we reached out to the Ashford Cinema, and they were kind enough to let us film there.

Now, if you’ve never been to the Ashford cinema, let me paint you a picture. It’s modern, stylish, with comfortable tiered seating, a vibrant hub area, great snacks and drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that just feels... right.

While we were on site filming, we got chatting with the cinema’s management team and started tossing around the idea:
"Wouldn’t this be the perfect place for a magic convention?"

One conversation led to another, and before we knew it, we were mapping out layouts, tech setups, and discussing everything from lighting to lounge space.

And just like that—it clicked.
The venue we’d been searching for all these years was right in front of us.

It’s Official: The Alakazam Convention Is Happening!

Mark your calendars: Saturday, 9th May 2026
Location: The Ashford Picturehouse Cinema, Kent

We are beyond thrilled to finally announce that The Alakazam Magic Convention is happening—and we’re going all in to make sure it’s a truly unforgettable day.

Here’s just a glimpse of what you can expect:

Amazing Lectures

Forget straining to see over heads in a crowded hall. The cinema’s tiered seating means every single attendee gets a crystal-clear view of every lecture, performance, and demonstration. Whether you’re in the front row or near the back, you won’t miss a thing.

A Chill-Out Hub Designed for Magicians

Between lectures, you’ll have access to a spacious, relaxed hub area where you can:

• Grab a drink or snack

• Catch up with old friends

• Make new connections

• Jam on effects you’ve been working on

• Chat with performers and dealers

It’s a true magic community vibe, and we’re so excited to see it come to life.

Dealer Room Delights

You’ll also be able to browse a fantastic range of magic from hand-picked dealers throughout the day. Discover new effects, chat with creators, and maybe even find that perfect trick to take your act to the next level.

A Gala Show to End the Day in Style

Your ticket doesn’t just get you access to the daytime lectures—it also includes a seat at our Evening Gala Show, featuring an incredible lineup of performers ready to blow your mind and close the convention with a bang.

Stay the Night and Make a Weekend of It

Want to make the most of it? We’ve got you covered.

There are two excellent hotels within a 5-minute walk from the venue:

• Travelodge Ashford Town Centre (just a 1-minute walk!)

• Hampton by Hilton (around 5 minutes away)

And for those travelling in, Ashford International Train Station is just a 10-minute walk from the venue, with direct trains from London St Pancras in under 40 minutes.

Even better? We’re opening the Alakazam Magic Shop on Sunday, so if you’re staying over, you can pop in, hang out with the team, and pick up a few extra goodies before heading home.

Oh—and if your non-magician partner is tagging along, the Ashford Designer Outlet is just around the corner for a bit of retail therapy!

You’re Not Just Attending—You’re Joining the Family

If you’ve never been to a magic convention before, this is the perfect place to start. And if you’ve been to loads—you’ll find the Alakazam Convention has a charm all its own.

From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel like part of the Alakazam family. That’s what we’ve built our brand on, and that’s what this convention is all about—connection, community, and the magic we all love.

Tickets Are Limited—Don’t Miss Out!

With all this excitement (and limited seating in the venue), we’re expecting tickets to go fast. So don’t wait—secure your spot today and be part of magic history.

Click here for more info and to book your ticket now!

We truly can’t wait to welcome you to our very first convention. It’s been a long time coming, but we promise—it’s going to be worth the wait.

See you there!