AN international magic show in Blackpool came within five minutes of being cancelled because of a luggage mix-up.

Performers who had flown up from Heathrow for the 47th International Magic Gala Show last weekend were left without key props after British Airways staff placed them on the wrong plane.

Some of the acts threatened to pull out if the equipment had not arrived by 1pm on the day of the show. The props turned up in Blackpool with just five minutes to spare.

Convention organiser Ian Ogilvy said: "I've been involved with the gala show for 40 years now and I have not seen anything like it."

Despite the hitch, which delayed the show by 30 minutes, the gala provided a fitting finish to the hugely successful Magicians' Convention, organised by the Blackpool Magicians' Club.

Magicians from around the world came to Blackpool and Ian Ogilvy described the convention as "the most successful we have ever had".

Comedian Ken Dodd presented a special award for the best up and coming comedy act to Bill Seagraves.

David Penn won the UK Children's Entertainer title, while Paul Wilson won the British Magical Close Up Championships.

Illusionists Sheer Magic won the 14th British Magical Championships - even though their mini-disc player crashed part way through the act!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.