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Cyril Critchlow, a Past President and Honorary Life Member of Blackpool Magicians Club also named as 'the worlds oldest Magician' (by the Blackpool Gazette) died earlier this month aged 85. His funeral was held fittingly, yesterday, the 27th May, at the Grand Theatre. Cyril Critchlow, who died earlier this month after a long illness, spent more than six decades performing.

He was most famous for his magician act and for running the museum of entertainment on Coronation Street, which opened in 1977. He was an avid collector of memorabilia, which he displayed at the museum for many years and was a founder member of Blackpool Magician's Club.

Cyril was also the former owner of the 'Witches Kitchen' which has an extensive magical museum and theatre, in which he presented many full evening magic shows. He was a collector of posters and programmes and was an expert on the history of Blackpool. As late as last year Cyril was still performing magic tricks to the delight of all, taking part in a show at the Winter Gardens in full wizard regalia.

Mr Critchlow's coffin started a procession from Blackpool Town Hall to the Grand to the haunting sound of bagpipes. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the historic theatre to pay their respects to Cyril. On arrival a wreath shaped like a magician's top hat was placed on top alongside a famous photograph of the entertainer.

Arthur Casson, from Blackpool Magicians' club also paid a glowing tribute to "Cyril the optimist" and recalled a time the pair had been running a Punch and Judy stall on the beach. He said: "I looked out of the stall and realised that the tide was coming in, I shouted to Cyril that we needed to go and he looked out at the sea and then back at me and said 'We can get in one more show.' That is what he was like, ever the optimist. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a great idea – he loved this town.". Mr Critchlow leaves wife, Shirley, daughter Pat, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.