Cicerello’s Fremantle Magic Festival to cast a spell over port city

The inaugural Cicerello’s Fremantle Magic Festival is set to conjure up a cavalcade of tricks, illusions and enchantment this October. From 10am, October 9, 10 and 11, magicians galore will be on hand to perform in Cicerello’s Mews Park every hour, supporting the Starlight Foundation. Magic clowns, Punch and Judy, balloon artists and Captain Starlight will also be part of the three-day festival, followed by a gala magic show each evening in Cicerello’s Upper Deck function area. Organised by the WA Society of Magicians and Cicerello’s, the overall aim is to continue fostering the art of magic. “We’ve previously had great success with evening shows at Kulcha and being part of other festivals but we wanted to create a festival where the focus was purely on magic,” WASM president Ray Haddad said. “This is an opportunity for people to see a variety of wonderful magic performers, whether they’re performing a show or mingling with the crowd.” When approached with the idea for the festival, Cicerello’s owner Henry Liascos thought it would work well in the Fishing Boat Harbour location. “I’ve had a great deal of success from employing magicians for different events and a whole festival devoted to magic seemed like a perfect fit for the families and tourists who come to Cicerello’s,” he said. “We’re always on the lookout for new and interesting things to enhance people’s experience at Cicerello’s and the magic festival is another way for us to really engage with our customers.” Allen Smith, 75, who performs as Magic-Al and Alfonse the clown, will be part of the three-day festival and is delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate all things magic with fellow WASM members. “Whether it’s kids or adults, there’s something wonderful about performing magic for them,” he said. “Kids are always mesmerised while adults are always intrigued as to how the tricks are done.” A three-time winner of the Fremantle Family Friendly Award, Cicerello’s was established in 1903 and is renowned as a mecca for locals and tourists alike. The WA Society of Magicians was founded in 1923 by a handful of Perth magicians and, since then, the club has supported numerous local charities and children’s organisations. Cicerello's is located at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.