Is your child passionate about Potter? Mad about Merlin? Crazy about Copperfield?

If so, it’s time to put their focus on hocus pocus as Historic Scotland launches a nationwide search to find the finest young magicians in the country. The winner will not only get the opportunity to perform at the Castle of Magic, the UK’s biggest magic festival (at Stirling Castle), but will also win the rare opportunity to become a magician’s apprentice to one of the world’s most renowned magicians, Ali Bongo.

Rebecca Hamilton, Marketing and Media Manager at Historic Scotland said: "We wanted to make this year’s Castle of Magic a bit more interactive to encourage children to really get excited and passionate about the event. To become a magician’s apprentice and receive a special one to one lesson with such a world famous magician as Ali Bongo is a very rare and unique prize and one I’m sure many will be vying for. "

Children can enter the competition on line at www.centralfm.co.uk stating in 50 words why they should become the Magician’s Apprentice.

The closing date for entries is 14th September 2007 and the best ten entries will be chosen as finalists and invited with two guests of their choice to a special evening reception at Stirling Castle on Friday 21 September. Here, each finalist will be required to perform a trick of their choice in front of a panel of internationally respected magicians from around the world to win the coveted prize.

The Castle of Magic: The Sorcerers’ Return is at Stirling Castle on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September from noon – 4.00pm each day. For one weekend only, the Castle will be transformed into a mecca of magical mayhem with areas such as the Realm of Enchantment, Gallery of Wonder, Gatehouse of Mystery and Wizard’s Way.

There will be 25 performances over the course of the weekend including interactive balloon twisting workshops where visitors can learn how to magically transform balloons into animals, flowers and much more. Around 15 magicians from all over the world will astound with special magic shows throughout the day, and of course a late addition to the line-up will be the yet-to-be-appointed magician’s apprentice!

Nick Finnigan, Events and Filming Manager at Historic Scotland said: "After a successful first year, the Castle of Magic returns, and this year promises to be bigger than ever with prolific magicians from all over the world descending on Stirling Castle to surprise and delight visitors. This year, however, we are on the search for some brand new talent to add to our line-up. The quest for Ali Bongo’s apprentice is on, so get those wands at the ready!"

Stirling Castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town off the M9. Admission is £8.50 for adults, £6.50 concessions and £4.25 for children. Entry to Argyll’s Lodging is also included.

Artistes and Entertainers

• Ali Bongo (UK/India) – Master Magician, World Famous British Comedy Magician as seen on Television.
• Patrick Page (Scotland) – Master Magician celebrating over fifty years performing, writing & producing magical entertainment.
• Scott Wells (USA) – Comedy Magician with Tex appeal from the USA
• Kramus Nexifius (Middle Earth) – 2500 year old Magical Wizard, wizardry and wonder for all ages
• Kristine (Norway) – “Magician of the Year” Kristine from Norway presents Theatrical Magic. Court Magician to the Norwegian Royal Family
• Dr Anthony Darkstone (Portugal) – Magic and Mystery of the mind.
• Shirley Ray (UK) – Award winning Balloon Modeller and Magician, Balloon Magic Show and Balloon workshop
• Kevin McMahon (Scotland) – Star of ‘Channel 4’s Faking it’ – stand up comedy and modern, mind-blowing magic.
• Professor Hilarius Kautz (Germany) – Join the professor and learn some magic at our very own Magic School.
• Alissa Aladino (Germany) – Professional Children’s Magician from Germany
• Maggi Clownin (Germany) – All the way from Cologne Maggi the Magical Clown
• David Lees (Scotland) – First class Children’s Magician and Balloon Modeller.
• Mick Magic (Scotland) – Fun and laughter for all the family – Simply Entertaining! Also starring Trix the Magic Bunny!
• Alex Proctor (Scotland) – Scotlands Foremost Magical Entertainer – watch and be amazed.
• Alex the Magician (Scotland) – Entertains, involves and astounds children of all ages
• Michael McMillan (Scotland) – Award Winning close up magic – Entertainment guaranteed
• Smudges the Face Painter – Hilary Smith (Scotland) – Traditional Face Painting for all ages
• Fantasy Faces – Doris Kautz (Germany) – Fantasy Designs that are out of this world
• Balloon Twisting – Helmut Kautz (Germany) – Crazy Balloon Modelling from Germany.

Performances

Realm of Enchantment/Queen Anne Gardens (Children’s Magic, Balloons, Magic Workshop and Fantasy faces)

• 12:00 Mick Magic
• 12:30 Alissa Aladino
• 13:00 Professor Hilarius Kautz – Magic Workshop
• 14:00 Alex the Magician
• 14:30 Maggi Clownin
• 15:00 Professor Hilarius Kautz – Magic Workshop
• 15:40 David Lees
• 12:00 – 16:00 Face Painting – Smudges and Fantasy Faces
• 12:00 – 12:30, 14:00 – 14:30 Balloon Twisting – Helmut Kautz

Gallery of Wonder/The Royal Chapel (Conjuring, Mysteries of the Mind and Theatrical Magic)

• Host and Compere: Patrick Page
• 12:15 Alex Proctor
• 13:00 Dr Anthony Darkstone
• 13:45 Kristine
• 14:30 Dr Anthony Darkstone
• 15:15 Kristine
• 15:45 Patrick Page

Balloon Magical/Royal Apartments (Balloon Twisting Workshop)

• 13:30 – 14:10 Shirley Ray
• 15:30 – 16:10 Shirley Ray

The Gatehouse of Mystery/entrance to Castle

• 12:00 – 13:30 Balloon Twisting and Magic by David Lees
• 12:00 – 13:30 Close-up Magic – Michael McMillan

Wizards Way

• 13:45 – 15:15 Balloon Twisting and Magic by David Lees
• 14:40 – 16:00 Close-up Magic – Alex Proctor
• 13:00 – 14:00, 14:45 – 16:00 Kramus Nexifius

The Magic Square

• 14:30 – 15:00 Balloon Twisting Shirley Ray
• 12:00 – 16:00 Strolling Magic Michael McMillan, Kevin McMahon, Tony Brook, Ali Bongo, Kramus Nexifius