In another hugely successful weekend for Portsmouth Comic Con, over 7,500 fans flocked to Portsmouth Guildhall to celebrate all things comic, film, TV and pop culture-related in an event that was packed full of displays, exhibitions, workshops, panels, interactive fun and immersive experiences!
One of the highlights and new experiences for 2024 was the Strangely, Marvellous, Wizarding Walk-Through, where visitors entered through Platform 9¾ to the world of Harry Potter with the chance to ride a Nimbus 2000 and make Dobby dance digitally on a giant VR screen, before being able to lift Thor’s Hammer, sit on the sofa of Stranger Things’ Byers family and much, much more!
Other experiences on offer at the largest family-friendly Comic Con of its kind included the biggest Star Wars experience yet, with scene set-ups, replica props and character interaction; a Jurassic Experience with dinosaurs, and the chance to paint and take your own baby dino egg; and a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters, featuring the Ecto-1 which appeared in the recently released Frozen Empire film.
As a new series of Doctor Who launched, visitors could meet the Seventh and Eighth Doctors, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann respectively, and companion ‘Ace’ played by Sophie Aldred. All three featured in a panel taking place on the event’s main stage with the Guildhall steps acting as an amphitheatre in the May sunshine. There was also a large exhibition of Doctor Who props and characters, including a Tardis and Weeping Angel.
For comic book lovers, there was also the opportunity to meet some of the most renowned creators from the comic and film industry and delve into the workings behind the fandoms, through a fascinating range of insightful panels and exhibitions. Emerging creatives were given the opportunity to develop their own works through interactive workshops led by some of the comic world’s biggest talents.
Fun and activities could be found across four floors of the iconic Guildhall and Guildhall Square, including retro and board gaming, a doodle room, craft activities, and a Tech Truck, plus a huge array of merch and collectables were available to purchase.
For many, the highlight of the weekend were the colourful cosplay parades led by Dream Team Portsmouth, where once again the creativity and talent on display was something to behold, with an impressive selection of cosplays being showcased.
Portsmouth Comic Con, produced and managed by The Guildhall Trust, is just one of the inspirational events in the charity’s portfolio which engages a wide and diverse demographic, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with culture.
Event Director, Nick Coles, said “The reviews and feedback for this year’s Con have been incredible – the event just gets better and better every year! We thank all of our partners who make Portsmouth Comic Con what it is, but most importantly thank all of our visitors who create the magical and inclusive atmosphere we are renowned for so that everyone can attend and feel welcome. Next year’s event falls on Star Wars weekend, 3rd – 4th May, and we are already full of ideas to make Portsmouth Comic Con 2025 even more amazing!”
Attendees of the Con gave high praise of the event on social media:
“It was amazing both days, my first ever Comic Con, I had a fantastic time!”
“What a weekend! The best Con I’ve been to!”
“Our youngest is 6 and my dad is 71, we all loved it!”
“We had a great family day out 😊 Thank you!”
“The whole event makes me proud to be a geek.”
The dates for Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics 2025 are confirmed as Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May, with super-early bird tickets already on sale.
For the best price and to avoid disappointment, fans are advised to book early.
Follow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for 2025 announcements as they happen.
