Magician Derby
Proud member of The Magic Circle • Serving Derby, Nottinghamshire & the East Midlands
Phil Taylor • Close‑Up Magician
Derby’s Most Talked‑About Magician for Weddings, Parties & Corporate Events
Transform your Derby event into an unforgettable experience with Phil Taylor — the close‑up magician whose flawless magic and brilliant banter keeps guests amazed and wanting more all evening.
Why Derby Trusts Phil Taylor for Their Special Occasions
When you book entertainment for your event, you are not just hiring a performer — you are investing in memories that last a lifetime.
Phil Taylor has earned his reputation across Derby and the surrounding areas by consistently delivering one thing: guests who cannot stop talking about the magic they have witnessed.
What makes Phil different? It is not just the jaw-dropping illusions or the mind-reading tricks that leave audiences speechless. It is his natural ability to read the room, make everyone feel included, and create an atmosphere where laughter and amazement go hand in hand. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Phil’s personalised approach ensures your event becomes the talk of Derby.
Watch Phil Taylor In Action
See the kind of close‑up magic and reactions your guests can expect when you book Phil Taylor for your next event.
Testimonials
Real Derby Clients, Real Reactions
Hear what Derby guests really say when the magic happens right in their hands. Genuine laughter, double-takes, and the kind of reactions you simply cannot script.
Phil is an amazing entertainer and had the whole room amazed and wanting more all evening. We booked him for our engagement party and all of our family and friends spoke about him all night and several took his details to book him for their events.
His magic is flawless, his banter is brilliant, and made people laugh. "Overall we were very pleased and would certainly book him again"
Google ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review Original Source
We hired Phil for our wedding (11-6-23) absolutely amazing, kept our guests entertained for hours, and had laughter all over the room, we have had nothing but excellent feed back from all of our guests. Thank you Phil 5*
Google ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review Orignal Source
We hired Phil for a small party. He was a real hit with the guests. He kept them well entertained with his great sense of humor as well as magic tricks. I would highly recommend!
Google ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review Orignal Source
Services
Wedding entertainment in Derby
Wedding magician in Derby
Keep your guests talking, mingling, and laughing together with close‑up wedding magic that fills the quiet moments with shared memories.
Your wedding day deserves entertainment that brings both sides of the family together and creates stories people will talk about long after the final dance. As a professional wedding magician, Phil specialises in breaking the ice during those crucial transition moments – your drinks reception, the wedding breakfast, and the time between the ceremony and the wedding meal.
What Derby couples love most:
- Guests from both families naturally chatting, mingling, and laughing together.
- Entertainment that works for everyone – from young children right through to grandparents.
- Flawless close‑up magic that becomes the unexpected highlight guests rave about for months.
- A skilled table magician who moves seamlessly through your reception so nobody misses out.
Phil’s bespoke approach means your wedding entertainment is tailored to your plans rather than squeezed into a template. Want to keep the energy high during the photo‑session gap? Looking for something sophisticated and unobtrusive during the wedding breakfast? Phil works with you to shape the ideal experience for your guests and your day.
Pro tip: Many Derby couples also add simple wedding games to sit alongside the magic, keeping guests entertained from the moment they arrive until the evening celebrations begin.
Derby party magician
Make your Derby party feel genuinely magical
Close-up magic, big reactions, and an easy, stress-free way to keep your guests talking long after last orders.
Hosting a celebration in Derby and want something more memorable than another playlist in the background? A professional close-up magician moves naturally between your guests, breaking the ice and creating moments of real astonishment right in their hands.
- Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and family get-togethers.
- Natural, friendly approach that works just as well in lounges, gardens, or hired venues.
- Flexible sets that fit around your food, speeches, and other entertainment.
- Modern, interactive magic that feels personal – not cheesy or old fashioned.
If you would like to chat through your plans, you can add your own contact details or enquiry form link here.
Corporate entertainment in Derby
Corporate magician for Derby businesses
Turn your next business event into something people talk about for all the right reasons, with smart close‑up magic that energises the room and strengthens relationships.
Need to impress clients, energise your team, or make your corporate event the one people actually remember? Phil’s work as a corporate magician transforms standard business functions into engaging experiences that break down barriers, spark conversation, and keep guests involved.
Perfect for:
- Product launches and trade shows – draw crowds to your stand and create memorable brand moments.
- Networking events – a natural icebreaker that gets people talking and keeps conversations flowing.
- Client entertainment – sophisticated magic that impresses without ever feeling over‑the‑top.
- Team‑building days – shared moments of wonder that help colleagues relax and connect.
- Christmas party entertainment – festive magic that gets everyone in the spirit from the first trick.
Derby businesses trust Phil because he understands professional environments and what different events need. His performance strikes the right balance every time – amazing, modern magic that lifts the energy in the room and enhances your event’s purpose, without overshadowing your message, your brand, or the reason you are there.
The Phil Taylor Experience: What Sets Him Apart
- Phil is not just a magician who turns up and shows a few tricks – he is there to lift the whole atmosphere of your event.
- From the very first interaction he is reading the room, putting guests at ease and creating moments of real connection, not just quick reactions.
- Every routine is designed to feel personal, playful and modern, giving your friends, family or colleagues something to talk about for the rest of the night – and long after they have gone home.
Serving Derby & Beyond
While Derby is home, Phil regularly performs throughout:
Key areas covered:
- Derby & Derbyshire – from city centre venues to countryside estates.
- Nottingham & Nottinghamshire – easy access to all major venues.
- East Midlands – Leicester, Lincoln, and surrounding areas.
- Peak District locations – beautiful wedding venues welcome.
No venue is too far if it means creating an amazing experience for your guests.
Your Derby Magician Booking Questions – Clearly Answered
How far in advance should we book you?
In Derby, the most popular dates – especially Saturday weddings and December Christmas parties – are often snapped up 12–18 months in advance. Weekday events and off‑peak months usually have more flexibility, but dates do go quickly.
The safest approach is to get in touch as soon as you’ve set your date, even if your venue or timings are still being finalised. That way you can secure your entertainment early and relax, knowing your magician is booked.
What kind of magic will our guests experience?
Phil specialises in modern close‑up magic and mind reading – intimate, interactive magic that happens right in your guests’ hands. This isn’t a distant stage show; it’s eye‑level magic that feels personal and impossible.
Whether it is a wedding, private party, or corporate event, every routine is chosen to spark conversation, laughter, and those “how on earth did he do that?” reactions your guests will talk about for weeks.
How long do you usually perform for?
Most Derby bookings sit in the 2–3 hour range, which is ideal for Phil to move naturally through the room, performing for small groups and tables so nobody misses out. For more intimate gatherings, a shorter set can work perfectly; for larger weddings and corporate events, extended coverage is available.
Performances can be timed around your day – drinks reception, wedding breakfast, during photos, between courses, or as guests arrive for your evening celebrations. The aim is simple: lift the atmosphere without ever interrupting the flow of your event.
Is the magic suitable for all ages?
Yes. Phil’s close‑up magic is designed to engage everyone from young children to grandparents, without ever feeling like a “kids’ show.” Derby clients regularly comment that he had “everyone from kids to grandparents absolutely transfixed.”
The material is sophisticated enough to completely fool adults, yet visual and engaging enough that younger guests are drawn in and feel part of the fun. It is ideal for mixed‑age weddings and family parties.
What if our venue is a bit unusual?
Phil has performed everywhere from grand hotel ballrooms and corporate conference spaces to garden marquees, cosy lounges, and historic Derby venues. Because close‑up magic is so flexible, it works brilliantly in almost any setting.
He is experienced in working with venue coordinators, planners, and events teams to make sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you are hosting at home, in a marquee, or at a larger venue, the magic is adapted to fit the space, not the other way around.
How do you make sure everyone sees some magic?
Rather than doing one big show that people have to stop and watch, Phil circulates throughout your event, performing for small groups of 4–8 people at a time. This gives each group its own up‑close, personal experience without anyone straining to see from the back.
At weddings he’ll move between tables during the wedding breakfast; at parties he’ll work the room; at corporate events he’ll naturally join clusters of guests during drinks and networking. The result is a room buzzing with reactions, conversation, and shared moments of astonishment.
What Happens Next – Simple Booking Process
Booking Phil for your Derby event is straightforward. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you get in touch, so you know what to expect at every step.
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Step 1: Get in touch
Fill in the enquiry form below or call directly. Share your date, event type, and venue (even if some details are still being finalised). This lets Phil check availability and see how close‑up magic can work best for your wedding, party, or corporate event in Derby.
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Step 2: Personal, no‑pressure chat
Phil will talk through your plans, answer any questions, and suggest how the magic can fit around your timings. Whether it is a wedding, private party, or corporate event, the aim is to make sure the entertainment feels right for you and your guests.
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Step 3: Secure your date
Once you are happy, a simple deposit secures Phil for your chosen date. You will receive confirmation so you can relax, knowing your magician is booked and your entertainment is in safe, professional hands.
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Step 4: Final details and planning
As the day approaches, Phil will confirm timings and any last details with you (and your venue if needed). The magic is planned to fit neatly around food, speeches, photos, or networking – so everything flows naturally on the day.
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Step 5: The magic happens
On the day, Phil arrives in good time, fully prepared and ready to go. He blends into your event, moving between groups and tables, creating the kind of reactions and talking points your guests will remember long after the last trick.