Bradford illusionist Shahid Malik - one of the world's top magicians - is to star at the city's biggest night of the year in December.

Mr Malik, whose death-defying stunts have won him an army of fans, has agreed to perform for free at the Telegraph & Argus Bradford's Best awards gala night.

The event, at the Cedar Court Hotel on December 16, will be the grand climax in the T&A's search to find the district's outstanding community heroes.

Mr Malik will be one of the main attractions of an event which, while recognising the outstanding efforts of the award winners, will also seek to celebrate all that's best about Bradford and its surrounding area.

His appearance for the T&A at the Cedar Court Hotel will be a rare chance for the Bradford public to see him in action.

Mr Malik said: "It's a tremendous honour for me to be asked to perform at this event and I am very glad I have the opportunity of doing it.

T&A Editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "It's a marvellous gesture by Shahid Malik to donate his services for the evening. We are lucky to get a star of his status at the event and I am sure he will be a big hit on the night. What's more he's one of Bradford's Best."

Mr Malik has been one of Britain's most high-profile illusionists and is in great demand around the world, having recently performed in Dubai and Turkey.

But performances on home territory are few and far between.

The last time he gave a show in Bradford was in 1997 when he staged a free two-day spectacular at Lister Park in Heaton - just a stone's throw from where he lives - to celebrate the city's Centenary.

"I love performing in Bradford because this is my home. People are always asking me when I am going to be doing a show in Bradford again but it is difficult to set up," he said.

"We will be doing my after dinner cabaret act for the Bradford's Best awards. There will be a few big illusions and it will be spectacular, I can guarantee.

"It will be more intimate than the show I did in the park for the Centenary. People in the audience will be able to see things at close quarters. I actually prefer the audience to be as close as possible. It makes it more impressive."

If your company or organisation is interested in purchasing a table for the gala awards night, please contact Deputy Editor Kevin Young on (01274) 705346 for details. Tables of ten can be taken for £300. Due to demand they can only be bought on a first come, first served basis.

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