Sci-fi fans, comic book enthusiasts and cosplayers are being invited to step into a world where “time and space are colliding” as a major Comic Con event is coming to Darlington.
The Doctor Who-themed convention takes place at Hopetown on October 3, with entertainment, special guests, traders and costume competitions.
Visitors can meet stars from the long-running BBC series, alongside characters and attractions from comics and science fiction.
Among the confirmed guests are Doctor Who actors Colin Spaull and Frazer Hines, while fans will also be able to see the iconic Tardis, Davros Skaro and a host of Dalek characters.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with traders selling collectables, comics, artwork, props and other merchandise.
The TARDIS features on promotional artwork for Hopetown Comic Con 2026, which will bring Doctor Who-themed fun to Darlington. (Image: Cute Fox Events on Facebook)
Artists and creators include Michael David Clarke, Michael ‘Stiv’ Stephenson, Dan Walls and Gary Whitlock; visitors can also meet The Joker, Atticus Finch the wobbly cat and representatives from Blast! comic.
Cosplay is expected to play a major part in the day, with organisers staging a costume competition split into two age categories: under-14s and 14-plus.
The best outfits will win trophies, certificates and “ultimate bragging rights”.
Hopetown describes the event as a celebration of geek culture, with organisers encouraging visitors to bring along their sonic screwdrivers and embrace their favourite characters.
A Comic Con ticket also includes entry to the wider Hopetown site.
Visitors are being encouraged to book in advance, particularly if they wish to experience the attraction’s time-travel ride, Experiment!, which is expected to be busy on the day.
Hopetown Comic Con runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 3, with tickets from £3.
For Doctor Who fans across County Durham and the North East, it could be the closest they get to stepping inside a TARDIS without leaving Darlington.
