Close Up Magicians For Hire Near You

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Hiring a Close-Up Magician in the UK: A Friendly Buyer’s Guide

If you’re planning a wedding in a village hall, a milestone anniversary in a cosy inn, a summer garden party, or a relaxed corporate do at the local golf club, a close-up magician is a brilliant way to break the ice and lift the mood. We’ve helped thousands of hosts book entertainment that feels effortless and personal. Here’s our complete guide to booking a close up magician in the UK, written to save you time, answer the questions you didn’t know to ask, and help you pick the right package with confidence.

What Exactly is Close-Up Magic?

Close-up magic is performed right under your guests’ noses. Think playing cards that change in their hands, borrowed rings that appear in impossible places, and visual tricks that get gasps from kids and grown-ups alike. Unlike stage shows, there’s no need for a huge set-up or a PA system. Performers mingle, work table-to-table, or deliver a tight stand-up set for small groups. It’s flexible, informal, and perfect for mixed ages.

On Poptop you’ll see clear package titles like Walkaround Close-Up Magic, Table-to-Table Magic, Family-Friendly Set, and Host-Led Special Reveal. These cover most situations, and you can combine them to suit your plan.

Where Close-Up Magic Shines

Events That Love It

• Village weddings during drinks and photos, to keep the buzz while the couple is off with the photographer
• Anniversary gatherings where guests span three generations and you want something everyone can enjoy
• Garden parties with guests scattered across seating, blankets, and a barbecue queue
• Local corporate socials where you need a soft introduction activity that doesn’t interrupt chat

Spaces That Suit It

• Barns and rustic halls, especially during room flips or while canapés circulate
• Marquees where walkaround works nicely between tables and lawn games
• Golf clubs and function suites, ideal for a roaming performer during reception drinks
• Boutique inns with snug corners, perfect for 10-minute mini-shows with small groups
• Private homes, kitchens, patios, and living rooms where a magician can glide between clusters of guests

How a Typical Booking Runs

Most close up bookings are one and a half to two hours of roaming magic. The magician moves through the crowd in short bursts, performing a few pieces per group, then drifting on. For dinners and formal seating, Table-to-Table Magic fits best, with routines delivered between courses. If you want a focal moment, opt for a Host-Led Special Reveal. That might be a surprise trick for the couple, a personalised effect for the anniversary pair, or a branded reveal for a corporate host. Family-Friendly Sets are curated for mixed ages, so there’s nothing too frightening for little ones and enough clever sleight-of-hand to delight the adults.

The Right Style for Mixed Ages

Family-friendly doesn’t mean kids-only. We look for performers who blend visual magic, clean humour, and audience-safe participation. Card magic is great for quick hits, but strong visual pieces play best in noisy spaces, in marquees with chatter, and outdoors where wind can make card work fiddlier. Coins, ropes, rings, sponge balls, and borrowed items are all winners. If you’ve got lots of children, we suggest a short Family-Friendly Set early on, then let the magician roam the grown-up clusters later.

What it Costs in the UK

For most events, expect £300 to £600. Where you’ll land in that range depends on:

• Duration, one hour for tight receptions, two hours for larger guest lists
• Travel, local performers keep costs down
• Date and time, Saturday peak slots price higher than weekday evenings
• Add-ons, a Host-Led Special Reveal or a personalised routine takes extra prep

We keep pricing instant and all-inclusive, so you can see a final figure without chasing quotes. If your plan changes, it’s easy to adjust time or format.

Packages You’ll Find on Poptop

• Walkaround Close-Up Magic Best for receptions and garden parties. The magician mingles, finds natural moments to entertain, and keeps the pace lively.
• Table-to-Table Magic Designed for seated dinners. Short sets between courses, so service isn’t interrupted and every table gets attention.
• Family-Friendly Set A compact performance tuned to mixed ages, often 15 to 25 minutes, then roaming to smaller groups after.
• Host-Led Special Reveal A personalised climax, such as a surprise routine for the wedding couple or a bespoke reveal for an anniversary toast.

Use one or combine them. For example, start with Family-Friendly, switch to Walkaround during canapés, then finish with a Host-Led Special Reveal before the first dance.

How to Brief Your Magician

Good briefs make great magic. Share:

• Guest mix, rough numbers, ages, any VIPs
• Schedule and run-of-show, including speeches, room flips, and photo windows
• Room layout, where guests will gather, any quiet corners
• Participation comfort, if there are shy relatives or a guest who loves the spotlight
• Must-avoid notes, in-jokes that won’t land, sensitive themes, or allergies for borrowed-object routines involving sweets or snacks

If you want a personalised moment, give us names, dates, and two or three fun facts. That’s plenty for a bespoke reveal without a long back-and-forth.

Tips for Specific Occasions

Village Weddings

• Use magic as a bridge between the ceremony and dinner, when energy can dip
• Put the Host-Led Special Reveal before the first dance or after the cake cut
• If you’ve got lawn games, the magician can tour the gaming area and keep everyone engaged

Anniversaries

• Ask for a routine that uses a borrowed ring, a photo, or an engraved date
• Family-Friendly Sets land well here, then shift to sleight-of-hand for the grown-ups
• Keep it nimble, guests will want to chat, take photos, and dip in and out

Garden Parties

• Wind and weather matter, so choose more visual, less papery material
• Spread guests across zones, seating, firepit, drinks table, and let the magician circulate in loops
• Add a short gather-round routine to punctuate the afternoon

Local Corporates

• Keep it informal and welcoming rather than showy
• If you need branding in a reveal, tell us early so we can prep clean props that look smart
• Use a quick spotlight moment to reset the room before awards or a short speech

Sound, Space, and Practical Bits

Close-up magic is light on logistics, but a little planning helps.

• Lighting, soft, even light beats dim moody corners for visual effects
• Noise, roaming works best where guests can hear patter without shouting
• Access, keep a small case or jacket rail nearby for props and resets
• Breaks, magicians usually take a short pause on longer bookings, we’ll place it between service beats
• Safety, performers won’t use fire or sharp tools in tight spaces, props stay people-safe and venue-friendly

Why Book Your Close Up Magician in the UK With Us

We built Poptop to make event planning fast, friendly, and reliable. Here’s how that plays out when you’re booking a close-up magician.

• Enjoy a truly friendly attitude You’re getting more than tricks. Our magicians are chosen for warmth, professionalism, and the knack for reading a room, so guests feel at ease and leave smiling.
• Plan your party in minutes, not days With instant, all-inclusive pricing you decide on the spot. Our team replies quickly, so the whole process stays smooth and hassle-free.
• Get an event that is uniquely yours Whether it’s a Family-Friendly Set for mixed ages or a Host-Led Special Reveal for the couple, we tailor the experience to your plan and people.
• Relax and plan without the anxiety We keep communication clear. You’ll know what’s happening and when, so you can enjoy the build-up without second-guessing.
• Find what you need effortlessly Enter your date, guest count, and postcode, then instantly see close up magician options that fit. No need to be an event expert.
• Discover everything in one convenient place From entertainment to food, you can sort the whole celebration with us. One marketplace, consistent service, less faff.
• Host a party that will be remembered We specialise in experiences that surprise people in the best way. Close-up magic is a perfect example, memorable without being formal.
• Book with confidence and complete security We vet every supplier. If anything goes off-plan, we’ll find a suitable alternative. Your booking is protected by our money-back guarantee.

Quick Planning Checklist

• Decide where magic helps the day flow, drinks, between courses, or during photos
• Choose your format, Walkaround, Table-to-Table, Family-Friendly, Host-Led Special Reveal
• Share timings, guest mix, and any must-include names or moments
• Confirm duration, 90 minutes for small crowds, up to two hours for 80 to 120 guests
• Lock in your instant price, typically £300 to £600 depending on time, date, and travel

Your Next Step

If you’re searching for a close up magician in the UK and want planning that feels easy, we’ve got you. Tell us the date, headcount, and postcode, then pick the package that fits your plan. We’ll confirm the details, introduce you to the magician, and keep you updated so there are no surprises on the day. Book now, enjoy the friendly service, and get ready for those “how on earth” reactions that turn a nice gathering into a proper talking point. When you’re ready, we’ll help you compare options, choose the right format, and secure your date at an instant, all-inclusive price. Let’s make the magic happen.