magician 40th birthday Worton Oxfordshire

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of being part of a truly special celebration—Anne’s surprise 40th birthday party. Hosted by her thoughtful husband, Tariq, the event took place at the charming Worton Kitchen Garden, tucked away in the heart of Oxfordshire. After wrapping up a corporate gig in London on Friday, I hopped onto the M40 and made my way to this hidden gem on a sunny afternoon, ready to inject some magical moments into the festivities.

Worton Kitchen Garden is one of Oxfordshire’s best-kept secrets. Located near Cassington, just northwest of Oxford, this unique venue sits amidst a seven-acre market garden. Strolling up the gravel path to the site, you’re greeted by vibrant glasshouses brimming with flowers and fresh produce, along with the mouthwatering aroma of a wood-fired oven.

The garden itself combines lush flowers, fruit, and vegetables alongside small-scale animal husbandry (think hens and pigs roaming about). Dining outdoors here feels like stepping into a Provençal postcard, with wooden tables adorned with vases of colorful blooms set out to soak up the sun. It’s a dreamy spot to mark any milestone, and a perfect backdrop for Anne’s big day. The fresh air and lively surroundings laid the groundwork for an afternoon filled with laughter and wonder.

Tariq had planned an intimate gathering of around 40 people, including both adults and kids—a dream audience for any close-up magician! With the sun shining, we decided to set up my custom close-up magic table outside. Small groups of 8–10 guests were invited over in turns for private sessions of magic, starting with the star of the show, Anne, of course.

The fun began the moment I gathered the first group. The gasps, giggles, and wide-eyed expressions from Anne and her friends drew an intrigued crowd, eager to see what all the fuss was about. To keep things running smoothly (and to avoid too much of a magic-induced traffic jam), I encouraged the onlookers to enjoy another round of desserts while promising they’d get their time at the table soon enough—a magician’s take on crowd control, if you will!

Performing magic at my table is a setup I absolutely love. Unlike walk-around performances, this format keeps the focus right where it should be—on the tricks. My table is custom-designed, complete with hidden compartments (think James Bond level sneaky) and other tweaks that streamline the performance. And yes, it also lets me ditch the dreaded bulging suit pockets—if you’ve seen other magicians looking like their suits are stuffed with Christmas stockings, you’ll understand why this feels like such a win.

The close-up interactions were a hit, with lots of laughs, gasps, and the all-important “How did he do that?” reactions. From card tricks to sleight-of-hand illusions, everyone got a front-row seat to the action. One memorable highlight was my signature trick, where I had 10 guests each select a card from the deck, shuffled them, and then found each card in quick succession. It’s a challenge every time—not just technically, but in delivering it with a fun flourish that keeps the crowd buzzing.

The experience wasn’t just enjoyable for Anne (or me); the feedback from Tariq and the guests was proof of that. Here’s what Tariq had to say in his email the following day:

“Chris,
Thank you for a really amazing time on Saturday – everybody loved it! You really lifted the whole event and everyone was talking about it all evening.
I hope you made it to Birmingham on time.
Thanks again,
Tariq”

Kind words like these are the icing on the cake of any performance.

After bidding the guests farewell with a final round of smiles and applause, I packed up my tricks and hit the road to my evening gig in Birmingham. But Anne’s 40th birthday will definitely stay with me as one of those magical afternoons where everything came together perfectly—sunshine, a fabulous venue, and a joyful audience.

If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your own celebration in Oxfordshire, make sure to check out my dedicated Oxfordshire magician page for more details and availability. And if you’re still in the party planning stage, you might also find inspiration in my list of 40th birthday party ideas—a sure way to make any milestone unforgettable.

Make Your Event Magical

Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a corporate event, close-up magic is a guaranteed way to dazzle your guests. I cover Oxfordshire and beyond, bringing interactive, jaw-dropping tricks to every performance. Interested? Get in touch and let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

About ✨ Close-Up Chris✨

Close-Up Chris is the party magician you didn’t know you needed—but definitely do. A professional magician, Chris specialises in jaw-dropping close-up magic that turns parties into unforgettable celebrations. Whether it’s birthday milestones, private parties, or any reason to gather and have a good time, Chris knows how to keep the energy high and the smiles even higher. Curious about how he can light up your next bash? Check out his party magician page for all the details!