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Magician Pete James working the room at an event in London.

Magician for Thames Boat Parties

Close-up magic for boat parties, private cruises and celebrations on the Thames - working the deck and cabin as London slides past.

About Magician for Thames Boat Parties

A private boat party on the Thames is one of the most memorable ways to celebrate – a moving venue with London’s skyline as the backdrop, guests who can’t simply wander off to another room, and exactly the kind of relaxed, sociable atmosphere close-up magic thrives in. Corporate celebrations, birthdays and private cruises all benefit from entertainment that works the deck and cabin as the boat moves between piers.

Pete’s magic has featured aboard boat parties setting off from piers across central London – working small groups on deck while London passes by, then moving down into the cabin as the evening goes on. No stage, no sound system and no space needed beyond what’s already there, which makes it one of the easiest forms of entertainment to fit onto a boat.

London Piers Where Pete’s Magic Has Set Sail From

A selection – booked by the company or host running the event, not by the piers or boat operators themselves:

  • Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment – on the north bank of the Thames by Temple, right on the border of the City of London and Westminster
  • Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment – moments from Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, directly opposite the London Eye
  • Tower Millennium Pier – beside the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, on the eastern edge of the City of London
  • Canary Wharf Pier – in the heart of Canary Wharf, London’s East London financial district
  • Festival Pier, South Bank – next to the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall and Southbank Centre
  • St Katharine’s Pier – at St Katharine Docks, tucked beside Tower Bridge

Why Boat Party Hosts Book Pete

  • Works comfortably in tight, moving spaces – deck, cabin or both
  • No staging, sound system or setup time needed, and nothing to load on or off the boat
  • Keeps guests engaged between piers, rather than just waiting for the boat to arrive
  • Fully insured for on-water performance, with risk assessments available on request

See More: Private Parties

Packages, photos and everything you need to know before booking.

Visit the Private Parties Page
Why Choose Pete

A Safe Pair of Hands for Your Event

The credentials event planners, venues and couples look for before they book.

Professional Close-Up Magician

Fully Insured

Punctual & Reliable

Trusted by Businesses

Wedding Specialist

Interactive Entertainment

Available Across London & UK

5-Star Rated on Google

Reviews

What Clients Are Saying

Read & Leave a Review on Google

★★★★★

“Pete was a fantastic addition to my birthday event! I've had a lot of positive feedback from my guests and would definitely recommend to anyone else looking for a magician for an event!”

Ian Duff Google review
★★★★★

“Pete was absolutely brilliant. There is no feasible explanation for the tricks he did other than magic. We were all blown away - would highly recommend!”

Lauren Windle Google review
★★★★★

“Pete provided the 'magic' at our Golden Wedding celebration. Everyone really enjoyed his performance and it provided the extra special element that we wanted for our family and friends. The youngsters there were also very impressed - never…”

Rosemary Slee Google review
★★★★★

“We booked Pete for our wedding and he was absolutely amazing. Our guests were coming up to us all night and messaging us the next day raving as to how much they enjoyed his magic. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him! I will keep my…”

Vikki Melhuish Google review
★★★★★

“Pete came to our 50th Birthday Party and did an absolutely phenomenal job! All our guests were blown away with his magic (as were we!), and with Pete himself being so personable it was nothing but a huge success! Thanks so much Pete.”

Julia Nelson - CM Base Google review

Reviews via Google

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I am based in Orpington, Greater London, UK, but regularly perform at high-profile events nationwide and internationally - including regularly across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Most bookings run one to two hours of mixed-and-mingled close-up magic, though I offer flexible packages from a short 45-minute slot up to a full day's entertainment - whatever suits your event.

The Magic Circle is Britain's most respected society for magicians, founded in 1905. It isn't a membership you can simply pay for - every applicant has to pass a formal examination (or submit a thesis) in front of a panel of existing members, demonstrating real skill and knowledge of the craft, before being admitted. I've been a Member since 2016.

Yes - close-up magic is one of the easiest kinds of entertainment to fit onto a Thames boat party, since everything happens right in guests' hands rather than needing a stage, a flat surface or any equipment. I adjust naturally to the boat's motion and keep moving between groups as it sails between piers.

No - nothing needs to be set up and there's nothing to load on or off. I work with whatever space is already there, moving between the deck and the cabin as needed, so I'm never in the way of the crew or the rest of the party.

For open-deck sections I stick to tricks that don't rely on loose cards or paper catching the wind, then move into the cabin for anything more delicate. Most Thames party boats have both a covered area and open deck, so it's easy to adapt to on the night.

Get In Touch

Book Pete for Your Magician for Thames Boat Parties

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Enquiry Form

Contact Details

Phone 07972 446886
Location Orpington, Greater London, UK
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