Edinburgh Castle hosts world premiere of spectacular stunt by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum
Thousands around the world expected to gather online on 29th April at 1pm to watch internationally acclaimed performer attempt daring stunt at Edinburgh Castle.
Article Source: Kevin Quantum
First Published: 22 April 2021 14:22
Updated: 22 April 2021 14:22
A week today, at 1pm on Thursday 29th April, scientist and magician Kevin Quantum will celebrate the journey out of COVID-19 adversity by staging the world premiere of a spectacular demonstration of courage, optimism and harmony at Edinburgh Castle.
Broadcast worldwide on YouTube, the premiere of Flaming Cannonballs at Edinburgh Castle will show Quantum relying on science, self-belief and hope as he attempts to walk blindfolded through nine flaming cannonballs swinging from a huge pendulum on the ramparts of the capital’s iconic landmark.
If his scientific studies of the pendula’s patterns and calculation of the precise magical moment the cannonballs harmoniously align, Quantum will emerge unscathed from his daring stunt at precisely the moment Edinburgh’s famous One o’Clock Gun is fired.
In the run-up to his fearsome feat, Quantum has released a trailer which can be viewed HERE
Internationally acclaimed magician Quantum, also known as Kevin McMahon, lives in Edinburgh and his last performance was as a semi-finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. He has gained exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle to stage his dramatic performance in the shadow of Mons Meg, the famous Medieval Bombard and one of the largest cannons in the world. His stunt will mark the moment the country begins to open up after life in lockdown and people celebrating the chance to reconnect with friends and experience the joy of live performance.
While anyone within a two-mile radius of Edinburgh Castle will be able to hear The One o’Clock gun go off, Quantum is inviting people across the city, Scotland, the UK and around world to connect with the performance and each other by watching the premiere on YouTube.
Edinburgh Castle, which reopens to the public on Friday 30th April, has been chosen because the One o’Clock Gun once connected the city to Leith Docks where ships’ captains would set their maritime clocks by the gun. The soundwave travels at around 760 miles per hour, the speed of sound which was studied by Austrian physicist Ernst Mach.
Mach also created the Harmonic Pendulum; a beautiful, hypnotic visualisation of harmony.
For his performance, Quantum has created his own industrial-sized version of Mach’s pendulum. The 12ft-high steel structure features a gauntlet of nine swinging, flaming cannonballs each weighing 15 kilogrammes.
Quantum explained: “It’s been an incredibly tough 12 months for everyone but with lockdown restrictions easing, there’s a new sense of hope and optimism on the horizon. We’ve got science to thank for creating a vaccine for COVID-19 and helping us overcome what appeared to be almost impossible odds. As a scientist and magician, I want to celebrate this important moment in time with my own special twist and share a sense of hope with people not just in Edinburgh but around the world.”
“I’m going to attempt to walk through these flaming cannonballs by relying on science as well as my own sense of hope and belief in harmony to get me though. If I emerge safely from this dangerous gauntlet, the One o’Clock gun firing will signal my moment of triumph over adversity, but also signal everyone’s emergence from the challenges of the last year.”
Emma Bowie, Events Manager from Historic Environment Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle team said: “We are delighted to host such a wonderful spectacle at the Castle with Kevin and his team performing a spectacular stunt and world premiere set to be enjoyed by many thousands as it goes out live on YouTube. Just don’t try this at home – or The Castle for that matter. Simply tune in and enjoy the work of a world-renowned illusionist as he brings his magic to one of Scotland’s most iconic sites.”
Quantum originally studied Physics but his life took a new turn into the world of magic after he appeared in Channel 4 programme, Faking It, in 2005. In the show, which was watched by around seven million people, he convinced a panel of judges, including Paul Daniels, into believing he was a professional magician after just four weeks of training.
After later being trained in Las Vegas by the world-renowned magicians, Penn and Teller, Quantum went onto to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006. In 2010, he founded The Edinburgh International Magic Festival, also known as MagicFest, and has worked extensively in Edinburgh and around the world.
In addition to reaching the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, Quantum also reached the final of Italy’s Got Talent, and his YouTube videos have been viewed millions of times. Earlier this year, he educated children about gravity on BBC Bitesize during home schooling lockdown.
Flaming Cannonballs at Edinburgh Castle is a Kevin Quantum event conceived and produced by The Derring-Do Partnership and filmed by Edinburgh video specialists Heehaw. It will be broadcast on Kevin Quantum’s YouTube channel.
Photo credit: Bartek Furdal
Latest Renfrewshire News
Dobbies teams up with Butterfly Conservation in its latest podcast episode
Dobbies has launched the latest episode of its popular podcast, this time in collaboration with Butterfly Conservation to hear more about its ‘Nurture for Nature’ campaign.
Top award for artistic young people
A group of young people who produce their own artistic shows and events have won a top national award!
Work set to begin on new cycle route between Bridge of Weir and Houston
Cyclists will soon have a safe, dedicated way to travel from Bridge of Weir to Houston as work on a new cycle route gets set to begin.
Kevin Quantum, Flaming Canonballs at Edinburgh Castle stunt
At 1pm today (Thursday 29th April), the global premiere of a daring stunt at Edinburgh Castle by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum was unveiled on YouTube.
Help save your local charity shop
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's much-loved stores are urgently appealing to people in the local community to volunteer their time and help keep the store running.
What a BREWtiful sight: Aldi unveils line up for Spring Scottish Beer Festival
Aldi has revealed the line-up for its annual Scottish beer festival, which will showcase 30 exceptional craft beers from thirteen breweries across the country, with prices starting at just £1.39!
Does your property have what it takes to be Home of the Year
Scotland is full of beautiful, surprising and absolutely unique homes... but do they have what it takes to be Home of the Year?
Dobbies hosts great pizza virtual event with Ooni Pizza Ovens
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced a free, exclusive virtual event with Ooni Pizza Ovens, to share top tips on making great pizza with keen cooks across the UK.
The Malt Whisky Trail prepares warm welcome for UK whisky lovers
The Malt Whisky Trail prepares for the welcome return of whisky lovers from across the UK with the easing of travel restrictions across Scotland.
Scottish Opera celebrates 50 years of pioneering Outreach and Education work
To celebrate the 50th anniversary year of its Outreach and Education programme, Scottish Opera announces new projects to connect with communities across Scotland!
XSite Braehead reveals plans for the ease of lockdown
Popular leisure destination, XSite Braehead, is opening its doors and welcoming back customers following the recent Government announcement that Scotland is to move to Level three on 26th April.
Edinburgh Castle hosts world premiere of spectacular stunt by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum
Thousands around the world expected to gather online on 29th April at 1pm to watch internationally acclaimed performer attempt daring stunt at Edinburgh Castle.
Revolutionary free online learning tool for Scottish pupils unveiled
A digital learning platform, designed to support all teenage pupils across Scotland with their education launched on Wednesday 21 April.
The World Pipe Band Championships 2021, due to take place at Glasgow Green in August has been cancelled
The event, which would normally attract around 200 bands from around the world to compete, is expected to return to Glasgow in 2022.
Limited season passes available for theme park!
With restrictions starting to ease and more activities reopening, now is the perfect time to purchase a Season Pass for M&D’s Scotland's Theme Park!
Enjoy a holiday steeped in history at Rowallan Castle
For anyone looking for a holiday steeped in history then look no further than Old Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire.
Tickets now on sale for some of the top visitor attractions in Scotland
Scotland’s most famous historic heritage sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle, are getting set to lower their drawbridges!
The Big Lunch is back!
The Big Lunch returns from 5th June, encouraging communities to come together to support each other after a challenging year.
Scottish Ballet announces two new dance films, created in collaboration with people living with neurological conditions
Scottish Ballet has unveiled two new dance films created in collaboration with people living with Parkinson's, MS and dementia, as part of their creative engagement project Haud Close.
Families encouraged to step in the right direction this spring
Scottish walking charity, Paths For All, shares ten ways to add fun activities to the familiar family stroll!
Dobbies launch new award to find best young gardeners in UK
Dobbies has announced the launch of its first-ever ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards, to find the UK’s best and most dedicated gardeners, including children and young people.
Designer Dr Pam Hogg leads the call to ShowUsYourPaisley for 150th anniversary of Paisley Museum
Fashion designer Pam Hogg is leading a call-out for Paisley-patterned items the public have at home - from clothing to cookware - to mark the 150th anniversary of Paisley Museum.
Scottish Opera reveals a programme of filmed and outdoor performances
Scottish Opera have announced two new films, premiering this spring, along with plans for over 200 outdoor performances this summer!
Aldi and Williams Bros call on Scots beer lovers to help name new brew
Aldi has teamed up with long-term supplier Williams Bros to give customers the chance to name a brand-new beer which will be sold in stores across the country!
Jumping for joy as Cardwell Garden Centre reopens
Louise Harris jumps for joy after visiting Cardwell Garden Centre when it re-opened after lockdown yesterday!
Booker Prize winner joins call for Your Stories
Booker Prize winner and Glasgow born author Douglas Stuart has joined forces with national charity Scottish Book Trust to encourage people of Scotland to submit their real-life stories.
Dobbies reopens stores across Scotland
Following updated guidance from the Scottish Government that garden centres may open, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, has today reopened stores across Scotland.
The search is on to find the best gardeners in Glasgow
With the reopening of garden centres, the Incorporation of Gardeners of Glasgow are encouraging the public to take up gardening and have launched 'Let Glasgow Flourish' Gardening Awards 2021!
Family fun with online Easter EGGStravaganza
Families can enjoy an eggs-travaganza of fun events and activities during the Easter break from the comfort of their own home!
All aboard for special Skerryvore livestream from exclusive floating hotel Fingal
Multi-award-winning band Skerryvore have announced a special livestream show to be broadcast from Edinburgh’s exclusive floating hotel, Fingal on Saturday 24th April!
Sponsored Links
