Aberdeen Magical Society will celebrate its 100th anniversary with two special fundraising performances at Aberdeen Arts Centre on 4 and 5 September 2026.
The shows, titled 100 Years of Magic, will donate all ticket proceeds to the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign, which launched in May 2025 to secure the venue’s future as a vital cultural hub for the local community.
Audiences can expect a blend of sleight of hand, comedy magic, mind reading, illusion and escapology performed by members of the long‑running society.
Garry Seagraves, president of Aberdeen Magical Society, said: “Celebrating our centenary in 2026 is incredibly exciting. Thinking back to the early days of the society, I wonder if the founding members could have imagined what was to come over the next 100 years. We’re immensely proud to still be here, promoting the art of magic in Aberdeen and the north east, all these years later.
“Our members come from all walks of life, and while some are professionals others are amateurs and hobbyists. To be able to provide a platform for everyone who wants to perform in these celebratory shows is a real treat – and we look forward to revealing more about the acts in the coming months.
“Being able to fundraise for Aberdeen Arts Centre at the same time as celebrating this huge milestone for our society is fantastic. The Arts Centre is such an important venue for the city, hosting established and up-and-coming talent throughout the year, and we are proud to be supporting the campaign to keep the doors open.”
Aberdeen Arts Centre fundraising manager Julia Smith added: “We are so excited that Aberdeen Magical Society has chosen to support Aberdeen Arts Centre during its centenary celebrations. That the society has been enchanting audiences across the north east for 100 years is incredible, and seeing the latest incarnation of that talent on our stage is going to be an amazing sight.
“Aberdeen Arts Centre is home to over 35 local performing groups that use our stage every year, and it’s thanks to the support of groups like Aberdeen Magical Society – as well as members of the public and local businesses – that we are able to continue to provide facilities for them to thrive.
“The Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign has raised over £165,000 so far – but we still have a lot of work to do. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received so far, and to everyone who continues to donate and fundraise for us.”
Aberdeen Magical Society was founded in 1926 by a group of amateur conjurors including architect T. Scott Sutherland. Today it remains one of the country’s most active magic clubs, hosting twice‑monthly meetings, public performances, annual competitions, guest lectures and themed events.
The society continues a rich north‑east tradition of magic influenced by figures such as Walford Bodie and John Henry Anderson, the Great Wizard of the North. The society also nurtured notable modern performers including television magicians Barry and Stuart.
Membership is open to anyone aged 18 and over with an interest in performing or studying magic. More information is available at www.aberdeenmagic.com, with the society active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Aberdeen Arts Centre, operated by charity Castlegate Arts Ltd, has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life for more than 60 years. Its facilities include a 350‑seat auditorium, café bar, flexible arts spaces and the historic Children’s Theatre founded by Catherine Hollingworth.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
