And among the assembled magicians will be Derek Heron – Falkirk's own answer to master illusionist Derren Brown.

The 43-year-old from California can't wait to get on stage to shock, surprise and mystify another audience.

''I have been doing more psychological illusions recently – where I tell people what they are thinking,'' he said. ''I am really looking forward to seeing the reaction.''

Sunday's appearance follows a long magical journey for Derek, which began at the age of five with a simple trick.

''I was shown a magic trick from a family friend in which a ball disappeared from a vase and then re-appeared,'' Derek explained.

''I found it amazing and was given it to keep. After that I practised it until I could do it as well.''

For a number of years, dust gathered over Derek's hobby, but a chance discovery re-ignited his passion.

''I was about 13 or 14 and was visiting a bookshop in Edinburgh when my interest was re-kindled,' he said.

''I found a book on magic tricks and I was hooked again.''
Soon Derek was busy practising and refining his skills, and it was not long before he made his first public appearance.

''I staged my first magic show at Avonbridge Hall when I was about 15 or 16,'' said Derek.

''I performed a variety of tricks, like putting blocks through people and making things disappear.''

Since then Derek has performed in both the public and private spheres, including shows for companies such as Coca-Cola, and his success has led to some diverse work, including helping to make a TV advert for Bank of Scotland.

''They were doing an advert about their new current account,'' recalled Derek. ''On the commercial, the actress had to perform some magic so I helped train her first.''

Away from the corporate world, the father-of-three works as a lab technician at St Modan's High in Stirling.

Derek also plays a prominent role within the Magic Circle and is currently vice-president of the local branch.

On the third Monday of every month he gathers with fellow members to see what new magic they have created.

So what can the audience expect from Derek and his friends on the night?
''There is some close-up magic round the tables during the interval,'' explains Derek. ''And on stage there will be manipulation and illusions, as well as mental and comedy magic.''

With TV schedules crammed full with illusionists and magicians, it's sure to be a popular show.

''Before, when you mentioned to people that you were a magician, they had the image of Paul Daniels in their head and just used to laugh at you,'' said Derek.

''But the likes of Derren Brown and David Blaine have made magic more modern and attracted a new younger audience.

''For me it's a passion and I love the reaction of the audience when you perform a trick.''

The magic show takes place at Falkirk Lesser Town Hall at 7.30 p.m. on
Sunday.

Tickets are priced at £5 and children must be accompanied by an adult.
For further details and to check on availability, contact secretary Mark Dunn on 07968 792134.

The Magic Circle is also on the lookout for new members who must be must be 14 or over.