I chained this man up today. But he escaped. Sorry.
A Saturday afternoon in Sheffield. What to do? Well, I’ve just put a half-naked man into a straightjacket then wrapped him up in chains. Fun, for all the family…
Perhaps I should recap. Aforementioned half-naked man was magician Steve Faulkner (right), performing in the city centre as part of the Sheffield Street Magic Festival.
He was half-naked only in order to be trussed into a straightjacket.
And his dramatic escape after a random member of the public (lucky me! My son was so embarrassed…) was asked to buckle him up and padlock him in chains was the climax of a free show performed on the steps of the City Hall in Barkers Pool.
Well ladies and gentlemen, I did my best, buckling and enchaining the (extremely entertaining) Mr. Faulkner as tightly as possible, and yet he escaped, to crown a great – and free – hour long show. The afternoon had also featured magicians roaming the city centre and entertaining shoppers with close-up and street magic.
Mind-reader Looch in action
The magic festival (organised by Russell Hall of Sheffield’s Magick Enterprises) was part of Sheffield City Council’s Summer Saturdays programme to boost city-centre footfall, “dwell time”, and trade for retailers.
Summer Saturdays run until the end of September. Associate events have included City Centre Sessions, Open Air Cinema, Chance to Dance, Pride, the Independents’ Day Market, and Tramlines. The sea-side also came to Sheffield, as Sheffield-by-the-Sea came to the Peace Gardens.
An imaginative and varied programme and a lot of fun, the Summer Saturdays have certainly drawn in the crowds to the city centre. We went into town today specifically due to the magic festival – and as a result, spent money in an independent cafe and another independent shop. Animating city and town centres with festivals, music and events can add a touch of magic. Giving cities (and high streets) a heart and soul must surely be good for their businesses too.
What next?
- I’ve written articles for Sheffield Live! 93.2FM about Tramlines and City Centre Sessions
- Towns Alive / AMT, has extensive expertise in helping towns measure their strengths and weaknesses and implement town improvement strategies
Nice piece, thanks. Glad you enjoyed your magical day.
Hey you were great fun Jamie and thanks so much for your help. Thanks also for writing a lovely piece and I’m really glad you enjoyed the day 🙂 Joyous!
Great article Jamie, thaks for including a shot of me in action. It was a brilliant day!