Hiring a magician in London for your next event? Before you pull a rabbit out of your budget, let’s break down what you can expect to pay for some serious sleight-of-hand entertainment in London. Whether you’re planning a corporate soirée, a birthday bash, or a wedding, here’s the inside scoop on magician fees, what drives the cost, and how to find the perfect fit for your event.
What Does a Professional Magician Cost?
Spoiler alert—good magicians don’t come cheap. If you’re after a professional who won’t fumble a deck of cards or rely on dated tricks from 1998, expect to start at £500. Anything less, and you might end up with someone still practising their disappearing coin routine. Let’s get specific about costs for various events.
Corporate Events
What’s a fair price for corporate magic?
If you’re planning to entertain clients or colleagues, a skilled magician can elevate your event from “meh” to “memorable.” Here’s what you’re looking at cost-wise:
- Drinks Reception Only (roughly 1 hour):Around £500 for a professional close-up magician. They’ll mingle gracefully and leave your guests impressed before they even hit the buffet.
- Tables & Drinks Combo (approx. 3 hours):Budget £750 for a seasoned pro to work the room.
- Full Event (Drinks, Tables, Post-Meal):The works will set you back £900 or more. Interested in extras like pickpocketing routines? That’ll cost you, but it’s worth it for a truly unforgettable experience.
The moral of the story? Pay for the skill. A bad magician ruins the vibe—no one will thank you for pulling “Dave from IT” to “assist” in a half-baked trick.
Private Parties
Fancy Some Magical Moments at Your Party?
For birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you want to show off, hiring a professional magician can breathe life into your gathering. Expect to pay between £500-£750 for 2 hours of jaw-dropping fun.
What about kids’ parties?
If the guest of honour is wearing a party hat and still learning long division, look for a children’s magician. They’re cheaper at around £250-£350 for 1-2 hours, but keep your expectations toddler-appropriate. They’re not pulling mind-reading stunts.
Wedding Magicians
A magician at your wedding? Yes, it’s a thing—and it’s brilliant. Forget the stale “DJ vs. string quartet” debate; here’s what magic brings to the table (literally):
- Drinks Reception:Perfect for breaking the ice while Aunt Carol eyes the prosecco bar.
- Wedding Breakfast:Interactive entertainment that keeps everyone involved (and off their phones).
- Evening Reception:Wow both your day and night guests with up-close magic that gets everyone talking.
Expect wedding packages to start at £500. It’s the kind of touch your guests won’t stop raving about—even years later.
Factors Affecting Magician Costs
Day of the Week
Saturday night? Full fare. Tuesday lunchtime? Yeah, you might get a small discount. Don’t count on it if your magician’s calendar is stacked.
Travel Fees
Hiring someone outside of London because the local options didn’t dazzle you? Add travel expenses to the mix—magicians don’t teleport (even if they pretend otherwise).
Magic Circle Members
Does their membership status matter? Only if you’re planning to name-drop. Forget the hype—focus on reviews, testimonials, and actual footage of their work.
Virtual Magicians
Yes, a Zoom magic show is still a thing. It might be cost-efficient (no travel costs), but expect to pay extra for the tricky setup.
Specialised Skills
Got your eye on a close-up magician who also dabbles in mind-reading or pickpocketing? You’ll pay a premium. Turns out the mysterious aura comes with an equally mysterious price hike.
Close-Up Magic vs. Mind Reading
Here’s a fun fact for you—mind readers often charge more than your classic close-up magician. Why? People love the mystery and are willing to pay extra for an illusion that convinces Dave from HR that his thoughts aren’t safe. Is it worth it? Definitely, if you want your audience thoroughly spooked (and entertained).
Why Most Magicians Offer Packages
Magicians don’t love being charged by the hour—because performing magic isn’t like charging for freelance admin work. Instead, they create tailored packages based on your event’s format. This ensures they cover your needs without any awkward gaps (or rushing between tables).
Final Thoughts on Magician Costs in London
When you’re budgeting for a professional magician in London, here’s the takeaway: £500 is the starting line. Of course, prices vary based on factors like skills, event type, and performance duration, but if a quote sounds too good to be true… it probably is.
Remember:
- Check reviewsand testimonials.
- Watch footage to see how they work a crowd.
- Don’t gamble with corner-cutting.
The right magician can elevate your event from average to unforgettable. Skimping on entertainment is like skipping the cake—sure, the event still happens, but will anyone really enjoy it?
