A national convention is coming to Largs in spring 2024 - with nationwide entertainers making an appearance.

David Ennis, who has been in the Paisley Magic Circle for over 40 years, has revealed that the big Magic weekend will see events taking place in Largs, including a public show in Barrfields Theatre.

David, 75, said: "The Scottish Association of Magical Societies Convention is coming to Largs next May.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Magic trick - Barrfields will host magic show Magic trick - Barrfields will host magic show (Image: Newsquest)

"The main headquarters will be the Willowbank Hotel and the main show will be taking place at Barrfields Theatre.

"It will be magicians from the UK and from abroad and we will have lectures, entertainment and lots of magic of course.

"We are expecting in excess of 100 magicicans and it will be over two days during a weekend.

"There will be a main gala show for the public to enjoy and consist of all the top magicians.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: David Ennis is looking forward to a Pure Magic weekend in May 2024!David Ennis is looking forward to a Pure Magic weekend in May 2024! (Image: David Ennis)

"It will be an excellent show showcasing the cream of magic and something to look forward to.

"The president is from Ayrshire this year and is from Kilmarnock Magic Circle - Fraser Stokes - and he will be co-ordinating it all."

David is excited about the prospect of his home town hosting the extravanganza with the area now hosting a number of magicians inluding Magic Scotty McLean, who has worked on cruiseships all round the world, and Calum James.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Magic Scotty on Largs beachMagic Scotty on Largs beach (Image: Newsquest)

David said: "I have been in the UK Magic Circle based in London for ten years but I have been in the local Magic Circle in the west of Scotland for 40 years.

"I think anybody that believes in magic believes in wonder - and when we stop wondering then we stop being real people.

"It brings a bit of excitement and joie de vivre to life."

David has wowed Largs crowds with his magic over the years, but he has also performed for one of the nation’s most popular magicians.

As a member of The Magic Circle, he's performed card tricks for the very best, as well as impressing the likes of Prince Edward.

His involvement in the magic community, has also led him to meet celebrities such as Ken Dodd and Jeremy Beadle.

It is apt that Barrfields Theatre is hosting the big magic show after legendary TV magician Paul Daniels, who used to gain TV audiences of 20 million, once performed in the venue a few years before his sad passing.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Magic venue - Paul Daniels has performed at BarrfieldsMagic venue - Paul Daniels has performed at Barrfields (Image: Newsquest)

And Largs is no stranger to hosting big conventions over the year,  having once hosted a Laurel and Hardy Sons of the Desert Club convention in 1980.

And magic shows were very much among the big successes of Barrfields Theatre down the decades with Theo Speaker also providing shows in the 1950s and '60s at the popular venue.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Theo Speaker stunned Largs audiences with his magic skills Theo Speaker stunned Largs audiences with his magic skills (Image: Newsquest)

He was a successful magician 'Yogi', holding charity shows in Barrfields, and owned the Old Curiosity Shop next to Hasties (now Home Hardware).

There is a 'Theo Speaker Cup' still awarded by the Magic Circle annually. He became a 'Baillie' on Largs Town Council where he is pictured above.