The Leeds Magical Association came into being in 1980 as a result of the merger of the Leeds Magical Society and the Leeds Magic Circle. The Society, founded in 1919, was one of the oldest in the country and was ahead of its time by accepting lady members in 1920.

Amongst the original members of the Society was Walter C Jeans, one of the most creative inventors of illusions of all times. During the early '20s, visitors included Chris Charlton, Chris Van Bern and Edward Victor. In November 1928, the first Night of Magic was presented and remained an annual event until the late '70s. The Society has had many illustrious members over the years including Ken Brooke, Harry Corbett of Sooty fame, George Blake, Walter Jeans, Alf Brown, Arthur Leo, Roland Winder and Robert Sinclair. It had a flourishing junior section which included among its members in the late '50s Jon Gordon and Steve Walker (now one of Australia's top performers).

The Leeds Magic Circle was formed in 1934 as a breakaway group led by Walter Geary. In the '50s, '60s and '70s, it became known for the strength of its Close-Up performers and its annual Convention. In those days, this was a regular event second only to Blackpool, attracting many of Magic's stars including Paul Daniels, Ali Bongo, Ken Brooke, Johnny Hart and the legendary Fred Kaps. The Circle was one of the first to bring over top American lecturers.

In the late 1970s the two organisations began protracted discussions, which culminated in the formation of the Leeds Magical Association in 1980. Now, over 40 members meet every other Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. at the Quaker Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, and visiting Magicians and Dealers are always made welcome. Members now include award-winners John Hotowka and Harry Nicholls, both IBM Close-Up winners, and Doug Haigh and Alan Driffield, long-time stalwarts and past Presidents of the Northern Magic Circle.

In 1994, the Association celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the original Society by holding a Jubilee Convention.  This was staged with the co-operation of the Lord Mayor of Leeds who made the Civic Banqueting Suite available.  This event re-established the Annual Convention, which has been held on the third Sunday in May for the last seven years, with the annual President's Dinner the previous day.