Prepare to be captivated by a tapestry of tantalising trickery in the magical depths of Margate's historic shell grotto on Halloween night this Saturday (October 31).

The Great Misto, a member of the famous Magic Circle, invites you to step back in time for a Victorian parlour magic show, complete with top hat and tails, and offering a host of bizarre and baffling effects.

With illusions that hark back to the famous magicians of the early 1900s, The Great Misto evokes a golden era in live magic.

Visitors will also be treated to close-up table magic and special appearance by famed fortune teller Madame Anastasia, offering free Tarot readings and much more.

There will also be a pay bar, free snacks, friendly company and atmospheric music.

All proceeds from the night will go to the Friends of the Shell Grotto (FOSG), an independent trust launched in June 2008. Run independently to the grotto, the Friends' group plays an important role in the life and work of the Grade 1 listed tourist attraction.

FOSG chair Susan Marsh said: "We're hoping that stage two of the Grotto's long-awaited conservation works will begin in the New Year.

"Stage one is nearly completed and has given the experts the survey information needed to proceed with the ambitious works with confidence.

"These works are vital to the long-term survival of the Grotto and have been made possible by a grant from English Heritage. However, we still have a shortfall in funding, which the Friends are working to raise."

The Great Misto's performances in the Grotto will last for approximately 20 minutes and will be repeated through the evening; because of the nature of the venue, numbers are strictly limited. Tickets are free to Friends of the Shell Grotto, £5 for non-members. Pre-booking is strongly advised on 01843 220008, or online at www.shellgrottofriends.org. Doors open at 7pm.