An Oldham magician has been crowned Overall Best Cabaret Magic Act after winning a magic competition at Manchester's Irish World Heritage Centre on Tuesday, 8 September.
Anthony Parks, 56, from Springhead in Oldham, said the award was “completely unexpected.”
Anthony has been fascinated by magic from the age of 13 and counts legendary entertainers Paul Daniels and Tommy Cooper among his heroes.
Although magic has remained a hobby throughout his life, he has always enjoyed entertaining family and friends at parties, nights out and special events.
His latest success adds another chapter to a lifelong passion for entertaining audiences through magic.
"During the 90s I was a member of Oldham Magic Club which sadly is no longer running, and that is why a few years ago I joined England's third-oldest magic club founded in 1909, namely The Order of the Magi,” Anthony said.
"This year I decided to enter the comedy and cabaret competition just for a bit of fun and was absolutely amazed when it was announced that the judging panel of highly experienced magicians had declared me the winner of the overall best Cabaret Magic Act trophy.”
He added: "It was a pleasure to perform alongside such talented magicians as Magic Chas, Television hypnotist and mind reader Jonathan Royle and Whitefield's Guy Samuels who won the Best Comedy Magic Act Award."
The standard of performance from all entrants was described by the judges as extremely high, with exceptionally close competition between the entrants.
Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Max Townsend, a member of The Order of the Magi, received the 2026 Magic Competition Compere Award for his role in hosting and compering the competition.
Founded in 1909, The Order of the Magi is England’s third-oldest magical society and is sometimes described as ‘Manchester’s answer to the Magic Circle.’
The society brings together people with an interest in magic, mind reading and related forms of magical entertainment and meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
The competition provided an opportunity for magicians of all levels not only to showcase their magical talent, but also to celebrate the continuing popularity of live magic and the society’s long-standing place in Manchester’s entertainment history.
New members interested in joining The Order of the Magi are invited to apply via:
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