
Cosplay at Comic Con
The countdown is on for Hastings Comic Con
There’s only one month to go until the White Rock opens its doors for the first ever Hastings Comic Con, a spectacular comics extravaganza on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June. Kate Gordon outlines the event.
A comic-con is a convention (Con, for short) focused on comic books and related forms of pop culture entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and video games.
From the Guildhall Trust, the producers of Portsmouth Comic Con, the two day event will be packed full of activities and attractions for grown-up geeks and kids of all ages.

Sophia Myles
The event organisers have also revealed the final addition to the star-studded line-up: celebrated actress Sophia Myles, best known for her roles as Lady Penelope in Thunderbirds, Erika in Underworld, and Madame de Pompadour in the Doctor Who episode The Girl in the Fireplace.
Sophia will be making a special appearance at the event, making Hastings Comic Con home to Britain’s biggest Doctor Who gathering in 2025!

Stars of Doctor Who
The previously announced Doctor Who stars joining Sophia are: Sylvester McCoy, the seventh Doctor in Doctor Who and Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit film trilogy; Peter Davison, best known for his tenure as the Fifth Doctor, as well as being one of Britain’s most recognisable actors (appearing Saturday 14 June only); British actor Colin Baker who was universally loved as the flamboyant sixth incarnation of The Doctor (appearing Sunday 15 June only); and Nicola Bryant, who played Peri Brown, companion to both the Fifth and Sixth Doctors. These iconic stars will offer exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities and autograph sessions to the Con’s visitors.

Comic Artists at Comic Con
Hastings Comic Con promises an unforgettable weekend packed with activities for fans of all ages, including Artists Alley, where visitors will be able to meet with renowned comic artists and writers from all over the world who have worked on titles such as The Beano and The Dandy, and comics for DC Comics, Marvel Comics and more, with unique merchandise and artwork on offer. There will also be a range of panels and workshops, offering interactive sessions with the comic guests, covering a range of pop culture topics, plus comic drawing workshops – ideal for budding artists.
There will be an opportunity to participate in a wand battle workshop with actor Jon Campling, who played a Death Eater in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2. Visitors will also be able to create their own sonic screwdriver and Harry Potter wand out of recycled materials with Lawn of the Dead.

Cosplay at Comic Con
In the Cosplay zone, Sussex Cosplay Alliance will encourage visitors to join in the daily children and adult cosplay parades to celebrate fans’ creativity, while immersive Star Wars and Ghostbuster experiences – from Southend-on-Sea and the Joker Squad respectively – will allow visitors to immerse themselves in both film franchises with a host of props and characters.

Paint workshop at Comic Con

Retro Gaming
At the ‘Paint & Take’ workshop, you’ll be able to paint your own miniature mystical figurine with Everstromn Hobbies, and take it home. You’ll also be able to enjoy retro gaming with Game Over’s classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Ninja Turtles, and Street Fighter.

Traders stall
With traders, workshops, panels and games, there’s plenty to take in at Hastings Comic Con – the perfect fun and affordable day out.
Tickets are on sale now, priced between £1 and £14, with concession tickets also available. Each day features timed entry sessions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
For tickets and more information, visit hastingscomiccon.com.
Images supplied by Hastings Comic Con / White Rock Theatre
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