About
The inception of Doomsday in 2010 was a testament to the vision and passion of the late Roni Schachnaey. Since that time the event has grown to become the largest Bizarre magic convention in Europe.
Roni and Dan at Doomsday I, in 2010
How it began
Inspired by the haunting beauty of Whitby – the birthplace of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Roni’s charisma, generosity, and love for the esoteric arts brought together a community that would embark on an annual pilgrimage to the sacred heart of gothic horror.
Following the untimely passing of Roni in 2017, the mantle of Doomsday was passed to Dan Baines, the visionary behind Lebanon Circle Prop & Illusion Design. Under his stewardship, this beloved annual event has continued to thrive.
While the event has bid farewell to its decade-long home at Sneaton Castle, it found a new haven in the eerie embrace of Derby, the most haunted city in England.
Describing Doomsday as a magic convention would be an understatement; it’s a convergence of kindred spirits, both old and new friends, where legendary tales are told, and first-time attendees find themselves drawn back irresistibly. It’s an unparalleled experience brimming with mystery and laughter, and each attendee holds a vital role in weaving the enchantment that defines Doomsday.
Meet the team...
With a wide range of expertise and lived experiences, the Doomsday team bring together their passion and alchemy of creative talent to ensure a bigger, better and weirder future for Doomsday.
As the event grows, so has the team behind its production. From scouring the globe for unique and engaging lecturers, booking performers and event organisation to theatrical management and marketing. It’s a labour of love – but when May comes around, we’re sure you’ll agree – the hard work was worth it.
Dan Baines
Doomsday Creative Director
Dan is an internationally recognised prop artist and illusion designer, best known for work that blurs the boundaries between art, theatre, folklore, and the uncanny.
Based in the UK, his creations have appeared on stage, in film, and in museums worldwide, often inhabiting the eerie space between reality and imagination.
Over the past two decades, Dan has established himself as a specialist in storytelling-based magic, immersive performance design, and bespoke prop creation for film, television, and live events. His work has been commissioned by major broadcasters and studios including the BBC, Warner Bros., FX, Channel 4, and the History Channel.
Claim to fame:
That would be telling.
Second greatest fear:
XXXX
Michael Diamond
Master of Ceremonies
Michael has been performing magic professionally since 1989 and specialises in horror magic, sideshow acts and Escapology.
With a keen interest in the occult and the supernatural from a very early age, Michael turned to the dark side after discovering the books of Tony Shiels and Charles Cameron. Since then, he has created and performed Bizarre Magick effects and lectured on the subject for the Inner Circle of Bizarre Magick in the USA and twice for the Magic Circle in London. He’s also a published author and his latest book ‘The Ultimate Book Of Shadows’ is must read for any bizarrist.
Fave holiday destination:
Transalvania
Likes:
Video nasties
Nick Birch
Marketing & Event Coordinator
Nick is a professionally trained designer, photographer and writer and has owned and run several multi-award-winning creative agencies during a career spanning over three decades. His clients have included automotive, software and not for profit organisations.
Nick learnt magic from an early age and has always had a keen interest in the history of magic and its genres.
Since retiring from the design business and after inheriting a workshop of tools from his father, an accomplished cabinet-maker, Nick began building props over 10 years ago and now runs his own bizarre magic prop and illusion business – Dark Artefacts.
Greatest achievement:
25m swimming badge
Dislikes:
Bad typography
Andy Cooper (ashton carter)
Dealers & Hex Factor Coordinator
Joint holder of the Guinness World Record for pancake tossing.
Shameless self-promotion (check out his Magicians’ Guide to the Baffling Blocks).
Nik Taylor
Hex Factor Coordinator
By day, Dr Nik Taylor is a senior university academic, guiding the next generation of artists and magical thinkers. By night (and also by day), he explores a world of bizarre magick, historical séances, and things that go bump in the night.
As a performer and researcher, he’s fascinated by why we love to be fooled and enchanted by the impossible. With a PhD focused on bizarre magick, his foundational research has helped to define the academic field. He continues to shape this world by editing a magic journal and co-curating a museum of haunted artifacts. Essentially, he investigates the weird and wonderful whenever and wherever he can.
Greatest achievement:
Nearly getting expelled for running a seance in the school stationary cupboard.
Fun fact:
He was once featured on page three of The Sun.