Last week took me up to the Lake District to perform at the wedding of Andy McGowan and Mandy Lannaghan who had chosen one of the most scenic venues I have ever had the pleasure to perform at.

I decided to spend a few days up in there and stayed at a hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere, with the most amazing view out of my bedroom window, and which was about 13 miles from the wedding venue

However, there was one surprise in store for me and that was the journey from Windermere to Ullswater. It was only 13 miles across the Kirkstone Pass, which is the Lake District’s highest pass that is open to traffic.  I was expecting perhaps a dual carriageway with view of the area either side, however, what I discovered was the most amazing 11 miles of road edged along the whole route with dry stone walls and the most spectacular views, Being something of a rather bendy road, I didn’t get out of second gear, with the odd sheep standing in the middle of the road. The drive back at dusk, even though it was 10pm was equally amazing

Andy and Mandy had picked a beautiful sunny day to get married and were able to get married in the stunning Lakeside Gazebo with the beautiful hills as a dramatic backdrop to one side and the calming Ullswater lake spreading out to the other, an absolute perfect afternoon.

I entertained the happy couple and their guests during the drinks reception, with most people enjoying the sun out on the hotels patio, personalising my magic for many of the guests including Mandy brothers and her son Sam, as well as their Bridesmaids Denise and Elaine.

I received a quick email from the newly married Mr and Mrs McGowan, and who I wish every happiness in their future life together

“Just a quick email to let you know that I loved what you did and so did Mandy. The guests who either had magic done for them or watched others have all commented on how good it was including Sam and Mandy’s brothers. I am mildly annoyed with myself as I normally have a good go at working out how magic is done, not a clue about the signatures, they are going in our album for safe keeping, again the bottle appeared from a balloon, I was watching your hands like a hawk……buggered if I know but thank you”.