Thousands to flock to city for Portsmouth Comic Con this weekend with new attractions lined up
An action packed weekend is on the cards at Guildhall as Comic Con returns
Thousands of people will flock to the city this weekend to immerse themselves in a two-day festival celebrating all things fiction.
Portsmouth Comic Con has rooted itself as one of the city’s most prominent events in the calender - and this year, the event is set to be bigger and better with new attractions added to the programme.
Taking place on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, the Guildhall event will welcome film and tv stars Tom Rosenthal, best known for his roles in Plebs and Friday Night Dinner, and Doctor Who’s Anita Dobson and Jemma Redgrave.
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.
Whether it’s Han Solo in carbonite, a Speeder Bike, the Ewok Drum Kit, the Ewok C3PO chair, an e-web and an Ice Cave, visitors can discover some of their favourite scenes from the iconic franchise.
Nick Coles, event director, previously said “Every year we challenge ourselves to make Portsmouth Comic Con even better than it was the year before and introduce new and exciting experiences to make sure there is always something surprising and different that people can enjoy.
“We thank all of our partners, some of whom work with us all year round, to make the event what it is. Most importantly, we thank all of our visitors who create such a warm and magical atmosphere that makes Portsmouth Comic Con one of the most special in the country.”
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.
Meanwhile, those with a competitive streak can get involved in the all-new Nerf Arena whilst budding creative constructors can perfect their building skills in the LEGO Zone.
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, which is Europe’s largest privately-owned collection of replica props from Game of Thrones, will showcase replica swords, helmets, daggers, crowns, tiaras, goblets and dragons skulls.
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.
The weekend will also feature a wonderful lineup of cosplay parades, compelling panels and discussions and workshops, as well as one of the largest selections of comics, collectables and merch around.
After spending the day exploring all the event has to offer, you might find yourself peckish. But fear not because Comic Con has got you covered with a brilliant list of confirmed food and drink traders including Bat Grill, Demon Hunterz Noodles, Mac to the Future, Steve’s Lava Chicken, Wookie Cookie Pies Bakery and Pie Caramba.