SINGAPORE : Spectators can look forward to a Chingay parade that will be filled with magic in January.

Some 300 volunteers, led by two local magicians, will perform illusions. There will also be a death-defying stunt in the finale.

Local magicians Lawrence and Priscilla Khong will be showcasing many illusions at the upcoming Chingay Parade at the City Hall.

The father and daughter duo have been practising various acts for the past six months, including one that involves flames of up to 1,000 degree Celsius.

Lawrence elaborated: "After the initial appearance on the float, Priscilla and I will be going on stage, and the highlight is, I am going to burn myself alive. Now most stunt men would do it for about 30 seconds, but I am going to try to do it for a minute.

"The fire is humongous, it scares me, but I have to train for it. While I am being burnt, I will pull off a illusion that will have a surprise ending."

The pair is not new to the scene - having worked together for eight years and doing shows as far as Las Vegas. Hundreds of volunteers will also lend their support.

Other than running his own entertainment company, Lawrence, who is 50 years old, is a full-time pastor and the founder of Touch Community Services.

He started Project Smile, which stands for "Sharing Magic In Love Everywhere", in 2002. Since then, the duo have been conducting courses on magic in places such as Singapore and China, where participants later would have to perform the tricks for the less fortunate."

Priscilla said: "This is the very first time I am working so closely with the volunteers who are now performing magic, dancing and putting together this great segment."

Lawrence said he hopes that the segment involving the volunteers will be noted in the Guinness Book of Records as "the most number of magicians performing at one time."

Spectators can find out if Lawrence is successful in his stunt when the parade takes place from January 30-31. - CNA/ms