Immersive new experiences, exciting celebrity guests and brilliant comic artists celebrate the best in popular comic, film and TV culture.
There’s only one month to go until Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics returns to Portsmouth Guildhall for another spectacular comic extravaganza on Saturday 3rd and Sunday ‘May the fourth be with you’ (4th May).
In addition to the much-loved attractions that Portsmouth Comic Con has become known for, this year’s Con will treat visitors to a raft of brand new experiences, including the Star Trek Zone, A Court of Fantasy & Fae, plenty of Ghostbusters activities, Pigeon Books, and The Ogretones, as well as brilliant celebrity guests and amazing comic artists.
For the first time, Portsmouth Comic Con will enter the world of fantasy literature with A Court of Fantasy & Fae, a completely new zone for 2025. Take an immersive trip into the world of romantasy books featuring licensed book merch, court dancing workshops, photo opportunities and much more – perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and high fantasy literature.
The Star Trek Zone – also a first for this year’s Con – features USS Riker’s Beard, one of the most active Star Trek fan groups in the UK today, who will be in attendance with a full replica of the bridge of the Starship Enterprise D in the Star Trek Zone. They’ll be inviting Trekkies and Trekkers to take the helm and have their photo taken aboard the iconic set.
Ghostbusters’ fans can join Southend-On-Sea and Ghostbusters and Portsmouth Ghostbusters for an immersive experience that includes a full-size replica Ecto-1and a host of props and characters from the film franchise, allowing them to relive the 80s cultural phenomenon and the antics of New York’s eccentric ghost catchers. Portsmouth Ghostbusters will also be attempting to gather as many ‘Busters’ as possible at one event so bring your best ghost-busting outfit with you on Saturday!
Alongside the above, Pigeon Books – a local independent bookshop which recently closed its physical shop – is appearing with a new pop-up shop and bringing along some of its favourite authors, who you can meet in Artists Alley.
There will also be live music courtesy of The Ogretones, a Shrek tribute band who have recently played a successful show in the Guildhall’s Studio space. Find them performing throughout the weekend on the main stage.
The Con will celebrate all things Stars Wars throughout the weekend but especially on Sunday (AKA Star Wars Day AKA “May the fourth be with you”). Joker Squad is returning with their immersive Star Wars Experience: expect the usual incredible characters and photo ops, including Land Speeders and across-universe droids, plus a new stage experience including a Star Wars cantina and games of Sabacc!
Celebrity guests joining previously announced Chris Barrie – of Red Dwarf fame – are Guy Henry, whose many roles include Pius Thicknesse in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1 and Part 2), and Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One, as well as appearing in V for Vendetta and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story; and film and TV puppeteer Brian Herring, one of the performers for The Meep in the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary special The Star Beast, animatronics performer for the Goblin King in the Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, as well as the escaped Ice Warrior in Cold War, and the principal performer of BB-8, the newest droid in the galaxy far, far away, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Expect another Red Dwarf special guest appearance – more details to be announced soon!
Artists Alley will be bursting at the seams with best writers and illustrators in the industry: Ramzee, Neill Cameron, Sophie Cowdrey, Shaky Kane, Ant Williams, Peter Hogan, Frazer Irving, Andy Fanton, Cian Tormey, Patrick Goddard, Marc Laming, Jordan Thomas and Marco Failla. It’s a great opportunity to meet the artists, see (or buy) their work and hear from them during the panels and workshops that take a deeper dive into what it takes to be an artist or creator in this industry.
As ever, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy or participate in the inclusive Cosplay Parades, get hands on in the workshops, peruse the traders and pick up some incredible merchandise, from comics and collectibles to t-shirts and fan art, and get involved in interactive fun, including retro and board gaming.
Portsmouth Comic Con is one of the largest family-friendly comic cons of its kind, presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment in a fully immersive and fun day out for all. Visitors can explore the biggest franchises around through interactive experiences, displays, exhibitions, workshops and fascinating panels and discussions. Get your tickets from www.portsmouthcomiccon.com.
