Behind the scenes at Portsmouth Comic Con 2026

Behind the scenes at Portsmouth Comic Con as it prepares to welcome thousands

A packed programme celebrating incredible creative talent will unravel this weekend as Guildhall hosts its cherished Comic Con for another year.

Taking place on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, the event will welcome a long list of stars, both on and off the screens. From Tom Rosenthal, best known for his roles in Plebs and Friday Night Dinner, and Doctor Who’s Anita Dobson and Jemma Redgrave to Cosplay icons Elmo Spike, Mando-Number-5 and Gary, there is something for everyone.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet a list of authors including Juno Dawson, Eliza Raine, Wren James, Josh Winning Jennifer Thorne, Lewis Hancox and Maggie Stiefvater, all of whom will be doing book signings across the event.

Making a return is the ever-popular Star Wars Experience, with the Joker Squad creating an immersive entrance for visitors. Droids, displays, music and sound will set the scene, and once visitors have cleared the Imperial Checkpoint, they will make their way through Tatooine for multiple photo opportunities.

Fans of all things comic will be able to meet their favourite artists and writers in Artist Alley, with confirmed guests including Lucy Sullivan, Mike Dowling, Chris Wildgoose, Rory McConville, Sarah Graley and Sam Hart.

This year, the event will be welcoming the all-new Nerf Arena and the LEGO Zone where budding creative constructors can perfect their building skills.

Fantasy literature fans can enter A Court of Fantasy & Fae which is the perfect spot for fans of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, and high fantasy literature, while the Thronefest Collection, will showcase replica swords, helmets, daggers, crowns, tiaras, goblets and dragons skulls from Game of Thrones.

On top of the extensive lineup, the event will also host the Jurassic Zone, a doodle zone, the Pokemon activity zone, and a paint and take area where ticket-holders will have the chance to get creative and take their artwork home with them.

Stay tuned for live updates, videos and pictures across the weekend.