FROM superheroes and sci-fi characters to anime icons and gaming favourites, a Bournemouth venue was transformed into a celebration of pop culture as Comic Con returned to the town.
On Saturday September 5, fans of all aged filled Bournemouth International Centre, dressed as their favourite fictional characters and enjoying a packed programme of celebrity guests, panels, traders, gaming and cosplay competitions.
Comic Con at the BIC (Image: NQ)
Bournemouth Comic Con, which is organised by Creed Conventions, ran from 10am to 4pm and featured guests including Craig Charles, Jemma Redgrave, Gareth David Lloyd and Dani Harmer, alongside traders, gaming and a cosplay parade.
Comic Con at the BIC (Image: NQ)
This year, the space was once again shared with Bournemouth Brick Festival – a Lego lover’s dream.
The Brick Festival supplied rare and retired sets, as well as recent releases and min-figure stalls.
Passing through the doors, guests were then transported through to Comic Con, where brilliant and detailed costumes were on display.
Gemma, Mia, Amanda and Poppy (Image: NQ)
Gemma, Amanda and Poppy decided to visit Comic Con this year for Mia’s birthday.
The group explained that they have visited other Comic Cons in different areas but for the majority, it was their first time at a Bournemouth event – apart from Amanda who had attended one around five years ago.
Amanda said: “It has been really good. The last time I didn’t dress up but decided to this year for Mia.
“It was between the little mermaid and poison ivy.”
Lily, Poppy and Isla (Image: NQ)
Lily, Poppy and Isla also explained that they had attended previous events, but Bournemouth was a first for them too.
Lily said: “I have been to previous ones, I just love it.”
All the girls agreed that they would return to Bournemouth for a future Comic Con event, praising the day and all the people that attended.
On a different note, Tobias and Zosia attended last year and returned for more cosplay fun.
Tobias said that the pair are ‘quite big nerds’, with Zosia adding that they are interested in pretty much all of the categories there.
Tobias, who lives in the area, said: “It’s great to have something like this locally.
“The nice thing is seeing other people in cosplay and getting reactions for your own.
“It’s a bit of everything. It has a nice variety of stands and it’s not something you get to see everyday.
“We will definitely come back next year, it’s not even a question.”
Also commenting on how nice it is to see people come together in cosplay was Jasper and Euan.
Calling it a ‘safe space’, Jasper said that it’s great seeing all different kinds of people being able to join together and express themselves.
He said: “It’s nice seeing people come together to do cosplay. It’s sweet.
Euan joined in saying that it’s a ‘very friendly’ environment.
