Tag: Derren Brown

Congratulations David and Tara! A Magical Evening at Rufford Mill…

‘You surpassed all expectations and thank you for making it so special for my mum Marion as well’

David and Tara, Rufford Mill, 7th June 2025

Close-up magic during evening reception. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

I was delighted when the lovely Tara and David asked me to perform close-up magic during their evening wedding reception at the fantastic Rufford Mill. This is always a wonderful time for some ‘mix-and-mingle’ prestidigitation – when bride, groom and guests are relaxing after the wedding breakfast.

‘It was a lovely, complete surprise, your magic is amazing’ Marion (Tara’s Mum) Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

The evening would be even more special as Tara’s Mum Marion is a big fan of magic, and has recently celebrated a very important birthday. The newlyweds had managed to keep my presence a secret, so it was a tremendous privilege to provide entertainment for the VIP guest!

It’s always a pleasure to entertain on wedding days! Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

The exceptional Rachael Phillips Photography were present throughout the evening reception, and I am very thankful that Rachael has shared these tremendous images to display in this article. Do you require a first class photographer for your wedding or special event? Find out more about Rachael and her magnificent service at: Rachael Phillips Photography.

Entertaining Tara, David and close family and friends. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

One of the benefits of entertaining during the early evening reception is that I normally have an excellent opportunity to amaze the newlyweds. It was wonderful to provide both close-up sleight-of-hand and larger parlour illusions for Tara, David and close family and friends in the charming function suites of Rufford Mill.

It’s a privilege to create magical memories! Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

Tara and David’s family and friends were a wonderful group to enthral with a variety of intriguing magical routines and illusions. Indeed, the delightful halls and rustic environs of Rufford Mill always provide the perfect backdrop for plenty of magical amazement on a wedding day! Awarded ‘Best Historic Wedding Venue’ in the 2025 Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards, find out more about this lovely locale at: Rufford Mill Venue.

A parlour show of magic for Tara and David. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

Many of Tara and David’s friends had a natural fascination with magic, and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to perform mysterious mind-reading and prediction effects later in the evening. This branch of the magical art is known as Mentalism, and one of its most famous modern day practitioners is Derren Brown.

Some intimate psychological effects later in the evening. Photograph courtesy of Rachael Phillips Photography.

It truly was a wonderful evening at Rufford Mill celebrating the wedding of David and Tara. Congratulations and best wishes again to the newlyweds, happy birthday Marion, and thank you to Rachael Phillips Photography, and Seana, Carmel and the staff of Rufford Mill.

Rufford Mill. Artwork by David Fox. David creates his own artwork and it often appears within his magic shows!

Rachael Phillips Photography are based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Website: Rachael Phillips Photography

Telephone Number: 07779 127050

Rufford Mill is an award-winning wedding and events venue based in north Nottinghamshire.

Website: Rufford Mill

Telephone Number: 01623 888525

David Fox is a professional magician based in Nottingham who travels throughout the UK and beyond.

Website: David Fox Magic

Telephone Number: 07946 686258

Chris and Viola’s Magical Wedding at Harts Hotel

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Harts Hotel offers exceptional service, cuisine and facilities in the heart of the city

It’s an idyllic early autumn day in Nottingham. The city is bathed in salubrious sunlight and the rooftops of the prestigious Park Estate glisten majestically beneath a cloudless azure sky. Standing from the vantage point of Harts Hotel’s terrace, David Fox savours the panoramic paradise before him: the calmness, the serenity, the tranquillity, and then, as if by magic: the mysteriously enchanting melodies of distant bagpipe music drifting sublimely through the lukewarm air. Chris and Viola’s wedding day revelries are just about to commence…

David was delighted when Mr and Mrs Norton asked him to entertain their guests in September 2015 at Harts Hotel in Nottingham. It is always a massive privilege, and a pleasure, to be part of such a wonderful day. Indeed, Harts Hotel is one of the most prestigious and luxurious venues in the Midlands, and has earned an exceptional reputation for fine cuisine, first class facilities, and outstanding service. This is why many of the top celebrities and entertainers such as Derren Brown choose Harts Hotel when they come to visit and perform in the Nottingham area.

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Magic on the terraced area of Harts Hotel

The hotel boasts a spacious terraced area with magnificent views over the city. This is of course an ideal place for wedding day photographs, and David was very happy when Chris and Viola requested that he mingle with the guests during this period. One of the main strengths of a close-up magician like David is the capacity to perform under any conditions regardless of the weather. It was wonderful to perform card magic, illusions, mind-reading routines, and classic effects for the couple’s close family and friends. Indeed, some entertainment during this period of the wedding day helps to stimulate conversation, induce laughter, and set a very positive tone for the breakfast to follow.

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Whatever the weather. Card magic always goes down well with guests.

David Fox will always customise and adapt his performance depending on the wedding day schedule. It was a real pleasure to be asked to entertain during the early part of the evening reception immediately after the meal. Magic took place largely around the reception, upper garden, and bar areas of the hotel, where David was delighted to welcome Chris and Viola’s evening arrivals, as well as reconvene with any day guests who wanted to see more magic. Overall, it was a tremendous experience to be part of such a lovely couple’s day at Harts Hotel and to see so many beaming smiles on faces.

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All age groups can enjoy David’s magic!

A rousing rendition of The Proclaimers’ anthem ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the sensational Richie Muir heralded the onset of the evening festivities in the function suite. David would like to take this opportunity to once again say ‘congratulations’ to Chris and Viola and to wish them health, happiness and prosperity for many many years to come.

For more details about Harts Hotel, contact Events Manager Sally Martin today.

Telephone number: 0115 988 1900

Website: Harts Hotel Nottingham

David Fox is a professional magician who performs at events throughout the UK.

Telephone number: 07946 686 258

Website: David Fox Magician