World-class entertainers and five local youngsters will be appearing at the Bermuda Magic Fest this weekend.

This is the first time that five talented teens will perform their magic with world class acts.

O'Brian Roberts, producer of Magic Fest, said: "They were picked from 35 enthusiasts who attended the Bermuda Magic's workshops last summer.

"The workshop was open for children aged eight to young adults and the Magic Fest will be an event that both children and adults can enjoy.

"It will have something for everyone - there is some great entertainment lined up - magic, illusions, ventriloquism, juggling and dance. And I'm really pleased that we will have five local youngsters performing this year who have been practising for the last eight months. It will be a good day out for all of the family."

The international performers will include Johnny Toronto a comic juggler unicyclist, Johnny Main the ventriloquist and Puck the Magician.

Mr. Roberts said: "Johnny Toronto has appeared at festivals, comedy clubs and university campuses across North America.

"He has also performed around the world in places such as Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile and as far away as the North Pole.

"He has appeared on television features including Toronto Rocks, Barnum and Much Music New Year's Celebration and performed for various disaster relief shelters, orphanages and hospitals in Latin America."

For more than 30 years Johnny Main has been a versatile entertainer with his ventriloquist act.

"He creates many of the character dummies he uses in his act including Quacky the Duck and the wise cracking Archie," said Mr. Roberts.

"Along with his lifelike characters, Johnny has delighted audiences across the United States, Canada and the Far East and has worked with a number of cruise lines throughout the Caribbean and hotels in South America.

"He has repeatedly performed at Parliament Hill in Ottawa and has appeared on NBC's Good Morning America.

"He also develops figures for other ventriloquists."

Puck is a magician and illusionist who performs classical magic with a new and fresh feel.

"He started performing at the age of six and since becoming a professional has appeared at the Sullivan Street Playhouse Off Broadway," said Mr. Roberts.

"Puck was a finalist at the 72nd Brotherhood of Magicians Gold Medal Competition as well winning the first place award for stage magic at the World Magic Summit held in Washington D.C."

The local magicians are Kylisho Julio, Andy Minton, Roger Moniz, Susannah Shane and Llewellyn Simons.

Andy Minton, 12, is looking forward to performing.

He said: "I've wanted to be a magician ever since I saw an eight year old produce a bunny and I wanted to be better than him.

"I like the look on people's faces when you amaze them."

The annual Magic Fest event will take place at City Hall on March 21 and March 23.

Performances will take place at City Hall Theatre on Friday 21st March at 8pm; March 22 at 2pm and 6pm; and March 23 at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets for Magic Fest are available at the main Phoenix Store on Reid Street in Hamilton or can be reserved online at www.bermudamagic.com