Hey presto! Huddersfield magician scoops award

Mar 24 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A MAGICIAN conjured up a star performance to scoop the coveted title of Yorkshire Pride Close-up Magician of the Year.

John Danbury, of Clayton West, beat eleven other hopefuls from all over Yorkshire at the competition in Leeds city centre this month.

The father-of-one was representing The Huddersfield Circle of Magicians and wowed audiences with close-up magic card tricks.

The 35-year-old said: “There was some very strong competitors from all over Yorkshire and magicians of all ages wearing many styles of dress.

“There were magicians in jeans and warlocks in corporate business dress, all a far cry from the public's general perception of big bow ties and top hats.

“And with no rabbits in sight it was an evening crammed full of the finest magic seen this side of Hogwarts.”

John is originally from London and moved to town seven years ago with wife Ann who is originally from Mirfield.

He said: “We didn't want to bring children up in London – we thought it would be much better here surrounded by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.”