Kendal teenager set to make magic at Mintfest

A talented teen from Kendal with plenty of tricks up his sleeve has won a starring role at this year’s MIntfest International Festival of Street Arts Aspiring magician Joe Thomas, 13, will dazzle audiences as part of this year’s vibrant Mintfest . He’ll be one of the strolling street entertainers who will bring the town to life during this acclaimed festival which takes place on August 31 to September 2.

The Kendal schoolboy was spotted at last year’s Mintfest when he and his friends performed an impromptu magic show. Organisers were so impressed that they signed him up for this year’s event.

Julie Tait, the director of Kendal Arts International, which creates Lakes Alive, says: “Joe’s got a natural talent and charm that shines through, people really warm to him.  He clearly loves entertaining people and I know he has picked up tips on his act from some of the other artists.

“One the aims of Lakes Alive is to inspire young people and Joe is a great example of this working in practice. “

Joe has been doing magic since he was five years old thanks to his granddad who was a keen magician. He’s already making a name for himself as a star of the future and appears at children’s parties and corporate events.

Joe says: “My granddad was a big influence on me when I was younger. I’ve been performing magic ever since I can remember – I love doing parties and events – and I’m really looking forward to being part of these amazing outdoor shows. I’ll be doing lots of close up magic and card tricks which will be fun.”

Mintfest 2012 will return to Kendal for its sixth year with an array of incredible artists from around the world. The Brewery Arts Centre, K Village and Abbot Hall Park will be buzzing with performances including circus, acrobatics, live music, and magic.

Street acts will pop up all over the Lakeland town for the three-day event.  Most of the events are free.

Mintfest 2012
Friday 31 August – Sunday 2 August
Three days of incredible street acts from around the world including a new show from Circus Ronaldo, a Fire Village at Nobles Rest,  a shopping trolleys ballet, and a non-stop programme of performances in every corner of the Lakeland town.