Tag: Entertainment

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

Biffa Diamond Awards Evening at the Doubletree by Hilton, Nottingham Gateway Hotel

‘Brilliant entertainer, used David for my corporate event and he went down a storm.’
Emily Roseblade, Biffa

Mysterious magical effects during drinks reception! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

It was a tremendous privilege to be part of Biffa’s very special Diamond Awards evening in Nottingham last November. The event celebrates the tremendous contributions employees make over the course of the year, and I thoroughly enjoyed entertaining everyone present.

David Fox’s unique visual magic is always well received. Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

The venue was the fantastic Doubletree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway Hotel. It is the perfect location for special occasions due to its exceptional service, first-class facilities and close proximity to junction 26 of the M1.

A parlour performance at tableside! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

Close-up mix-and-mingle magic was delivered during drinks reception period. This is an excellent time for quick-fire illusions, sleight-of-hand and mind-reading routines. It always helps to generate lots of fun, laughter and conversation prior to mealtime.

Biffa’s lovely staff members were a massive pleasure to entertain. Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

During the dinner, it was a profound pleasure to deliver table magic for the guests. Everyone was in fine spirits and very curious to see some more magic. This presented me with an excellent opportunity to deliver my extensive repertoire of parlour effects and routines which are very effective at table-side.

The Diamond Award’s evening celebrates the fantastic contribution Biffa employees have made over the year. Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

The exceptionally talented photographer Ross Holkham was present throughout the awards evening and ensured that all of those special magical moments were expertly captured. Many thanks to … and Emily of Biffa for sharing these wonderful images for use in my blog.

It’s always a massive privilege to provide close-up magic! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.
Everyone can enjoy some card effects! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

Overall it was an incredible evening with Biffa’s outstanding employees at the exemplary Doubletree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway Hotel!

It was a real pleasure to deliver mix-and-mingle magic! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

Very special thanks go to the lovely Rosalyn Qemalja, Meetings and Events Sales Mamager of the Doubletree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway Hotel, for her kind recommendation, and to Emily Roseblade, Employee Communications Manager of Biffa, for investing her trust in me and organising such a wonderful evening for everyone.

I know what you’re thinking… I can read your mind! Image courtesy of Ross Holkham Photography.

Find out more about Biffa and their services at: Biffa UK

The Doubletree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway Hotel offers exceptional accommodation, cuisine and banqueting and events facilities in the heart of the Midlands. Find out more about the hotel at: Doubletree By Hilton, Nottingham Gateway Hotel

Ross Holkham Photography is available to capture those magical moments at your next special occasion. Ross’s details can be found at: Ross Holkham Photography

David Fox is a professional entertainer based in the Midlands, UK. Visit his website at: David Fox Magic

Congratulations Vicky and James

Thank you for helping make our day so special, everyone thought you were amazing.

Vicky and James, Stancliffe Hall, Derbyshire, September 2022

It was tremendous to perform magic at the lovely Vicky and James’s wedding day at Stancliffe Hall near Matlock, Derbyshire last September. We were blessed with glorious sunshine, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to entertain alongside the exceptional Matt Lowe (photographer) who very kindly provided these outstanding images.

Indoors or outdoors, close-up magic is very versatile.
Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

Vicky and James had requested that I provide entertainment during both drinks reception period (immediately after the ceremony) and during early evening (from the end of wedding breakfast to first dance). These are always excellent times for some ‘mix-and-mingle’ close-up magic.

Some light entertainment after the ceremony. Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

The newlyweds’ guests were a joy to entertain, and I was delighted to be able to perform my full repertoire of card magic, classic illusions, mind-reading and sleight-of-hand in the stunning gardens of Stancliffe Hall. Matt expertly captured the action, and the photographs in this article reveal his tremendous talents as an award-winning wedding day photographer.

Magic helps to build new friendships. Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

The beauty of close-up magic is that it can be performed virtually anywhere. I have adapted and modified my act over the years so that my routines can be delivered in different environments and under varying conditions. It was a bonus to provide an impromptu parlour show of magic for a larger group of Vicky and James’s guests after the ceremony in the courtyard.

Entertainment for all generations. Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

It is always fantastic to entertain all the generations on a wedding day. One of the qualities of magic is that it appeals to all age groups and brings guests closer together. It was wonderful to provide a little child-friendly entertainment, along with balloon modelling, for Vicky and James’s lovely friends and family.

A special routine for bride and groom. Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

It truly was a magical day at Stancliffe Hall, and thank you again Vicky and James for calling upon my services. It was also wonderful to see you and your family and friends again last Christmas for your special party at the The Edgefold Club in Matlock! Hopefully there will be many more magical red letter days to come.

It was tremendous to be part of Vicky and James’s big day. Image courtesy of Field Photographic.

A very special thank you to Matt Lowe of Field Photographic for kindly sharing these wonderful photographs from the big day. You can find out more about Matt and his exceptional services at: Field Photographic

Artwork of Stancliffe Hall. David can create customised art for special occasions.

A sketch of Stancliffe Hall. As well as providing magic, David can also create artwork of special places. At the time of writing, this incredible venue is up for sale. Hopefully it won’t be long until weddings and special events return to Stancliffe Hall. A link to the Wikipedia page: Stancliffe Hall.

David Fox is a professional entertainer based in Nottingham, UK. Find out more about him at: David Fox Magic

Congratulations Will and Amelia!

‘We just wanted to send a massive thank you for everything you did to make our day so magical’

Will and Amelia, Stubton Hall, 29th May 2022

It was a pleasure to be part of the lovely Amelia and Will’s wedding day celebrations in May at Stubton Hall. I was delighted when Laura (Amelia’s close friend) very kindly recommended my services to the bride. Amelia wanted the magic to be a special surprise for fiancé Will who is a big fan of prestidigitation.

Close-up magic in the beautiful gardens of Stubton Hall.

Throughout the many months of preparation for the wedding day, Amelia managed to keep my inclusion a secret from Will – a fantastic feat of magic in itself! It was tremendous to see the look of surprise on the newlywed groom’s face when we met during the drinks reception period. Indeed, this was a great time to mingle freely with Will and Amelia’s family and friends: performing close-up magic in the enchanting environs of Stubton Hall.

Mix-and-mingle magic for Amelia and Will’s guests.
Performing table-side entertainment was a massive pleasure!

Table magic throughout the wedding breakfast period was a marvellous privilege to perform. Amelia and Will’s guests were a fantastic group to entertain and it also provided an exciting opportunity to deliver some special routines for the top table. This is always great to do on a wedding day, particularly if the couple and close family have been engaged in group photo shots during the drinks reception period.

Laura takes the mysterious envelope out of the safe…

A very special thank you to Laura and Lee for keeping two predictions I made, and delivered to the venue two weeks prior to the wedding, securely locked up in the safe of Stubton Hall. These mysterious predictions had been sealed inside two envelopes and would later be magically revealed to Amelia and Will…

Amelia managed to keep my inclusion as a secret from Will throughout the many months of wedding planning – incredible!

I also really appreciate Amelia and Will’s decision to share these fantastic photographs for this article. The exceptional Darren Creswell Photography did an outstanding job in capturing all those very special moments throughout the wedding day. Find out more about the services they provide at: Darren Creswell Photography

Congratulations again to the lovely newlyweds Amelia and Will!

Congratulations Amelia and Will! It was fantastic to be part of such a magical and very special day at Stubton Hall.

Stubton Hall is a first class wedding and events venue located close to Newark, North Nottinghamshire, UK. Find out more about the outstanding services they provide at: Stubton Hall Venue

David Fox is a professional entertainer based in Nottingham, UK. Find out more about him at: David Fox Magic

Steve and Nicola’s Wedding Day – 30th March 2018 at Makeney Hall

nicola and steve
Congratulations Nicola and Steve! Some Champagne magic. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography

‘he kept the adults and kids entertained and captivated the whole time’

Steve and Nicola Fairclough, 30th March 2018

I was delighted when Nicola and Steve asked me to entertain their guests at Makeney Hall. We first met at the hotel on Mother’s Day 2017 when I had the privilege of performing some table magic for them. It is always a tremendous endorsement when a couple decide to call upon my services for such an important occasion – and Makeney Hall is a stunning location for a wedding.

nicola and steve 2
Magic is perfect for all generations. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography.

Drinks reception magic immediately after the ceremony always goes down very well on wedding days, and it was a real pleasure to mingle with Nicola and Steve’s guests in the bar area and drawing room. Close-up effects and routines are entertaining, but also have the added bonus of bringing together friends and family of both bride and groom who may have not met before. Card magic, sleight-of-hand illusions and feats of mind-reading are engaging, direct and very versatile – regardless of where the guests happen to be; they can be entertained.

After the speeches, it was fantastic to perform table magic and some child friendly entertainment in the Milford Suite. One of the most pleasing aspects of a wedding day is the opportunity to entertain all the generations present – from the youngest guest to the eldest. The presence of children on a wedding day always works well and livens up the proceedings. Balloon modelling is a colourful and vibrant addition which amazes both young and old. By this time the party was in full swing, and Nicola and Steve’s guests were a real pleasure to mix with.

nicola and steve 1
Visual magic and balloon modelling are always a hit on wedding days. Photograph courtesy of Jo Brew Photography.

It is always a great bonus if I have the opportunity to perform a special routine of magic for the newlyweds. The exceptional Jo Brew was the photographer for the day and masterfully captured an effect involving Champagne for Nicola and Steve. Jo is available for weddings and photo-shoots around Derbyshire and beyond, and can be contacted on her email address: jojobrewphotography2017@gmail.com. Her tremendous photographs throughout this blog article reveal her fantastic talent and ability to capture the vital moments on a wedding day.

It truly was a spectacular occasion at Makeney Hall and I am very fortunate to have played a role in Steve and Nicola’s magical day. As always, the highly professional team at the hotel did a sterling job in ensuring everything ran smoothly and the guests’ unique requirements were fulfilled. It is always a real pleasure to work with the lovely Antonia and all the conscientious members of staff.

Congratulations to Steve and Nicola!

Visit Makeney Hall’s website at: www.makeneyhallhotel.com or telephone Antonia and the team on: 0330 390 0492.

David Fox is a professional magician and freelance writer based in the Midlands. Visit his website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone him on: 07946 686 258.