Charity Event Magician
Close-up magic that creates the perfect atmosphere for generous giving.
Charity events have a dual purpose: raise money and give guests an unforgettable evening. The two aren't in conflict — guests who are entertained and in a great mood bid more generously and donate more freely. I'm Nick Rushton, and with over 30 years performing at charity balls, gala dinners and fundraising events, I know how to set the atmosphere that maximises both enjoyment and revenue.
Why Charity Events Need Entertainment
Charity event guests have often paid significant sums for their tickets. They expect an evening that justifies the cost — not just a meal and an auction. Entertainment during the drinks reception and between courses gives guests an immediate return on their ticket price and puts them in the right frame of mind for the fundraising portion.
Event organisers tell me consistently: auction revenue is higher when guests have been entertained beforehand. The psychology is straightforward — people in a good mood are more generous. A room buzzing with energy and laughter bids more enthusiastically than a room that's sat through two hours of formalities with nothing in between.
Close-up magic is particularly effective because it's personal and interactive. Unlike a stage act that entertains the room as a whole, I create individual moments of amazement for each group of guests. That personal experience builds goodwill that translates directly into generosity.
How I Fit Into Your Charity Evening
I work around your evening's programme, filling the gaps with entertainment that complements the fundraising rather than competing with it.
Walkabout magic as guests arrive — creating energy, breaking the ice, and building the atmosphere before dinner
Table-to-table magic fills the gaps between courses, keeping the room lively between the more formal elements
By the time the auctioneer takes the stage, guests are relaxed, happy, and in the mood to bid
After the formalities, magic keeps the atmosphere going as the evening transitions to the after-party
Charity Events I Perform At
From intimate fundraising dinners to large-scale charity galas.
Charity Event Magic In Action
What Charity Organisers Say
500+ five-star reviews from happy clients over 30 years.
Thank you and your caricaturist for a fab evening. From the feedback that I have had everyone enjoyed both of you and all were thoroughly entertained.
Nick was the highlight of our charity ball. The magic during the drinks reception set the atmosphere perfectly, and our auction raised more than any previous year.
We've booked Nick for our charity dinner three years running now. He's become as much a part of the event as the auction itself. Our guests love him.
Nick, you went down a storm! Thank you so much — we will be working together a lot in the future I hope — you were the star of the show.
Absolutely brilliant entertainment for our fundraising gala. Professional, engaging, and our guests couldn't stop talking about it.
Award-Winning Magician
My highly regarded awards include:
The Magic Circle (London)
"Young Magician Of The Year"
The World Magic Awards
"Best Young Performer"
International Brotherhood Of Magicians
"British Junior Magical Champion"
As Seen On Television
Charity Event Magician FAQs
What does a magician do at a charity event?
I perform close-up magic during the pre-dinner drinks reception and between courses at the dinner. This creates energy and a positive atmosphere before the auction or fundraising appeal — guests who are entertained and in a good mood are more generous with their bids and donations.
Does entertainment actually help charity fundraising?
Yes. Event organisers consistently report higher auction revenues when guests have been entertained beforehand. Guests in a good mood bid more generously. The positive atmosphere created by the magic carries directly into the fundraising portion of the evening.
How much does a charity event magician cost?
My fees for charity events are the same as other corporate events — typically between £600 and £1,200 depending on duration and location. I include travel in my quote with no hidden extras. Get in touch for a personalised quote.
What types of charity events do you perform at?
I perform at charity balls, gala dinners, fundraising auctions, charity golf days, black tie events, and charity awards ceremonies across the UK.
Can you work alongside an auctioneer?
Absolutely. I coordinate with auctioneers, MCs and event planners regularly. I perform during the gaps — before the auction, between lots, and during course changes — so the entertainment and fundraising complement each other perfectly.
Do you perform at charity golf days?
Yes — charity golf days are a great setting for close-up magic. I typically perform during the post-golf dinner and drinks, entertaining tables between courses while the prizes and auction are organised.
Ready to Book a Charity Event Magician?
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote. I also perform at awards ceremonies, conferences and corporate events of all types.
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