Magician conjures up award
Magician Owen Strickland knows how to play his cards right and has gained a prestigious national title in the Oscars of the wedding industry.
The 48-year-old, from Aldridge, Walsall, gained a regional title in November and was one of five people shortlisted in the finals and has now been named The Best Wedding Magician in the UK.
He said: "I am thrilled, honoured and humbled to gain the title.
"The competition is regarded as the Oscars of the wedding industry awards."
He classes himself as a close-up magician who features card tricks, money and even fire when delighting bridal parties.
Owen performed at his first wedding in 2013 and last year became the Regional Representative for the West Midlands for the Magic Circle into which he was accepted five years ago.
He said: "The wedding industry has taken a kicking during the pandemic and I lost 70 bookings last year.
"I am hoping that winning this title will provide publicity to help me bounce back.
"This year I had 83 bookings but now I am down to 60 because of pandemic restrictions.
"I am hoping that soon the wedding industry will get back to what it was before the virus."
