The charming walls of the former Royal School of Veterinary Studies at Summerhall will turn into a magic wonderland for most of this year's Edinburgh Magic Festival. From June 26-July 4, a programme of captivating performances and exhibitions from the best international artists and magicians will take place - here are seven unmissable events which are sure to leave you spellbound.
The Secret Room
Discover the deepest secrets of Lauriston Castle by exploring its intriguing past of clandestine laboratories, hidden rooms and furtive alchemists. Award-winning performers such as Billy Reid, The Professor and Ryan Davidson will lead you to this mysterious journey.
Wednesday July 1, Lauriston Castle. £20/£18 concessions.
Tower of Illusion
A complete sell out at last year's MagicFest, Camera Obscura becomes again the beautiful setting of a unique treasure hunt. Face unnatural creatures, solve riddles and challenge the unknown with your team of fearless fellow warriors. Do you have the right skills and bravery to fight magical dragons and defeat evil wizards?
June 29-June 30, Camera Obscura. £20 adults/£18 concessions/£12 children.
Colin Cloud 'Kills'
Let the power of deduction marvel you and meet the 21st century Sherlock Holmes. Colin Cloud returns to the festival with a brand new show. He will terrify and surprise you with his ability to read people's behaviour and notice tiny details that might seem insignificant at first glance. If that doesn't catch your attention, you'll also watch him get away with murder in front of your own eyes.
June 27-July 3, Summerhall. £13 adults/£11 concessions/£8 children.
Kevin McMahon 'Quantum Magic'
Science and magic perfectly interwine in this one-of-a-kind performance by former physicist and now acclaimed magician Kevin McMahon. Tutored by Penn and Teller, Kevin will give you an appetising taste of the art of deception in its purest form.
July 1, Summerhall. £13 adults/£11 concessions/£8 children.
The Late Night Horror Magic Show
Talented magician and popular comedian Luke Eaton will shock you with his bizarre style and insane magic. Recommended only for those with cast-iron stomachs, the Late Night Horror Show will make you jump out of your seat.
June 27-28 and July 1-3, Summerhall. £9/£6 concessions.
Magic Quest
The family version of the 'Tower of Illusion' will leave both children and grown-ups ecstatic with wonder. Get lost in this crystal maze while testing your memory, agility, sixth sense and facing other perilous challenges. And did we mention the dragon fight?
June 27 at 2pm, June 28 at 10.30am and 2pm, Summerhall. £4.
Illusion Exhibition
From Rome to Edinburgh - Italian photographer Barbara Scerbo specialises in creating illusionist art by manipulating intriguing and disturbing images with mirrors. Witness the calm quiet of a natural environment become distorted by the presence of artificial elements. Unmissable.
June 27-July 3, Summerhall. Free admission.
Edinburgh Magic Fest, various venues, June 26-July 4.
See more things to do in Edinburgh from Time Out.