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The Blackpool Gazette and the Daily Mail are both reporting about a disagreement between The Blackpool Magic Convention and The Southern England Magic Convention:

A row broke out after illusionist Collin Richardson and Geoff Pescud set up the Southern England Magic Convention and said it would be held at the Lakeside centre in Frimley Green, Surrey, on January 31

The new smaller convention is three weeks away from the world largest magic convention, Blackpool Magic Convention, in Late February, however there is over 400 miles between the two conventions.

Derek Lever who organises the Blackpool event pointed out a barring clause that meant exhibitors they could not attend another convention within five weeks of the Blackpool one, prompting accusations that he was attempting to bully the southern event from taking place.

Mr Lever, today defended his actions.

"This other event has been set up as a spoiler. They could hold it any time during the year, so why choose three weeks before our event? Bearing in mind that Showzam is also running, it is an attempt to hit that as well. There is a barring clause which has been in place ever since our convention began 56 years ago. It is nothing new, and it is not illegal, it is used by all types of entertainment. We're not bullying anyone, just trying to protect our event."

Collin Richardson and Geoff Pescud who are organising the Southern England Magic Convention, claim that The Blackpool Magicians’ Convention, which has been running for 56 years and attracts 3,500 magicians, has become old-fashioned. Stating that their convention which will “finally bring a 21st-century feel to events of this nature’