I.B.M. British Ring
Convention 2026

To get things started, the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon will be held the night before the Convention, on Friday 18 September. Performers meet at 7.30pm. This has always been a special event at our conventions and we are looking forward to bringing our magic to the people of Buxton.

Any member who wishes to enter and take part in this fabulous event in memory of the incomparable Ali Bongo should contact Rick Tynan at treasurer@britishring.org.uk.

Everyone is welcome to come and share this event with us.

Following on from our Gala Show on the Saturday evening, John Kimmons will be providing fun and laughter over in the Old Club House Bar for delegates.

The magic and fun just keeps coming this year at our convention and you definitely don’t want to miss it.

We are so excited to have the magicians of the future performing in their very own show! Our young magicians for the show are Lena Poole, Thea Petty, Emma Williams, Ryland Petty and Harry Williams.

Emma Williams has been involved in performing her whole life and loves being on stage, especially at her family business, The Magic Bar Live. Emma loves developing her skills and bringing her own personality and style to every performance.

Harry Williams enjoys performing alongside his sister Emma — sometimes! He especially loves magic with an element of danger and excitement.

Lena Poole is a passionate card magician with over a year’s experience in The Young Magician’s Club at The Magic Circle, and is excited to perform at a magic convention for the first time.

Ryland & Thea Petty, ‘Magic and Mischief’, are the current holders of The Young Magician’s Club Comedy Award. Ryland reached the semi-finals of both Britain’s and America’s Got Talent and has also appeared on Blue Peter. Together they are resident performers at House Of Secrets in Blackpool and regularly perform around the world.

The Youth Show takes place on Sunday 20 September at 1:30pm at Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre, and entry is included with registration for the Convention.

An important part of The I.B.M. British Ring Convention will be a Tribute Show in memory of Chris Wardle who was, in the words of Host Geoffrey Durham, ‘a uniquely talented magician with an astounding facility for magical invention. And just as important, he was a thoughtful, modest and generous friend to countless numbers of us all over the world.’

Geoffrey will introduce fellow magicians Richard Cadell and Sooty, James Ward, JezO, Alan Maskell, Rick Tynan and Philip Partridge, who will share their memories of Chris and his magic and perform some of his excellent effects and routines.

Richard Cadell will be performing an effect created specifically for Sooty by Chris himself — “if it doesn’t work perfectly, it’s Sooty’s fault of course!” JezO, who loved that Chris was famous for his ‘multiple out’ routines, promises to give it everything: “Love you Chris always. Enjoy the show!”

Entry to this event is included with registration for the Convention, 19 and 20 September, at Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre.

Fritz with a Z will be performing his Solo Show at The Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton, at 8pm on Sunday 20 September, the closing event of The I.B.M. British Ring Convention.

Presented as a reverse autobiography told through comedy, magic and improvisation, the audience travels backwards through his life — from polished comedy magic to childhood wonder — watching Fritz slowly “unbecome” a magician in a theatrical, funny, and surprising variety show.

With performances at the invite-only Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Magic Circle in London under his belt, this award-winning conjuror is the first Dutch magician who has performed on six continents.

Be prepared to get your magical funny bone tickled!

Tickets for the show are included with a Full Convention Registration. Fritz with a Z show tickets can also be purchased directly from The Opera House, Buxton at buxtonoperahouse.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01298 72190.