Over 7,500 people flocked to Portsmouth comic con
In another hugely successful weekend for Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics, over 7,500 fans enjoyed celebrating all things comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment related at Portsmouth Guildhall.
It was the fourth time that Portsmouth Comic Con had taken place. An event produced and managed by The Guildhall Trust and is just one of the inspirational events in the charity’s portfolio, which engages a diverse and wide local demographic, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with culture.
Stepping through the gates into a Jurassic experience, dinosaur devotees were treated to meetings with a cheeky T-Rex and dino babies, Jurassic Jeeps and the chance to handle real fossils and dinosaur bones.
Visitors then travelled through a Tardis into a 60th Anniversary Celebration of the longest-running science fiction TV series of all time, Doctor Who, with a fascinating exhibition of replica props and costumes and the chance to meet the 5th and 6th doctors, Peter Davison and Colin Baker, and their companion ‘Peri’ played by Nicola Bryant.
Next to explore was a galaxy far, far away in an immersive Star Wars zone complete with screen accurate props including a pod racer and Han in carbonite with characters from across the Star Wars universe.
There was opportunity to meet some of the most renowned creators in the industry and delve into the workings behind film through a fascinating range of insightful panels and exhibitions and for emerging creatives to develop their own works through interactive workshops and portfolio reviews.
Fun and activities could be found across 5 floors of the iconic Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square and the wider area around. An interactive zone, retro and board gaming, craft activities, a Steampunk Galleon, a cinema screen, the Batmobile and a Comic City full of merch and collectables also made up the full and action-packed day out for all.
For many, the highlight of the weekend are the colourful cosplay parades, where once again the creativity and talent on display were something to behold, with an impressive selection of cosplays being showcased.
Portsmouth Comic Con Event Director, Nick Coles, said “We have had another fantastic Con! The feedback has been incredible, and we thank all of our community partners who are part of the event and help to create the magical, inclusive atmosphere that Portsmouth Comic Con is renowned for. Work on 2024 has already begun, and we are full of exciting ideas to make next year even more amazing!”
Those who attended were unanimous in their feedback:
“Absolutely amazing! We can’t wait for next year!”
“Fantastic from start to finish. Brilliant atmosphere and community. Can’t thank you all enough”
“Being visually impaired I get so much out of these events. Being able to touch displays and talk at length with everyone really helps my understanding”
“The atmosphere was so welcoming, and everyone was happy and diverse”
“My autistic son had the absolute best time. I am sooo glad we braved it and took him. Usually, he wouldn’t even get out of his pushchair at an event like this, but he must have felt right at home! For once, he could run around dressed as the Hulk and not a single person judged him for it!”
“We are so lucky to have such an amazing event on our doorstep”
The dates for Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics 2024 are confirmed as Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, with super-early bird tickets already on sale at www.portsmouthcomiccon.com
For the best price and to avoid disappointment, fans are advised to book early.
