The annual pop culture con returns for another celebration of all things geek
Few conventions are as welcoming as Nine Worlds. The weekend- long geekfest prides itself on an inclusive atmosphere, a diverse range of tracks and a zero tolerance anti- harassment policy that must never get an airing given the rarely less- than- friendly attendees we’ve encountered in previous years. If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of attending a convention, there simply isn’t a better place to start.
This year’s Nine Worlds runs from Thursday 7 August ( with an evening dedicated to socialising and “low key” events ahead of a formal launch on Friday morning) through to Sunday 9 August, once again at the Radisson Blu hotel at Heathrow. Much like last year, there will be around 30 tracks, each with dedicated panels, discussions and activities, including: all the books, comics fandom, fan fic, food and drink, future tech, history, LARP, LGBTQ+ fandom, podcasting, skepticism, Star Trek, Tolkien, videogames culture and worlds of Whedon. This year’s event will also play host to the 2015 David Gemmell Awards For Fantasy.
Tickets may seem a little pricey (£ 95 for adults if you book before 30 June) but it’s still good value for a weekend- long residential con with games, music and movie marathons running through the evenings for anyone with the energy to burn the candle at both ends. As an entirely volunteer- run event the organisers are always on the look- out for full- time volunteers and any The name says it all – dig out your best sci- fi duds and head down to the fabulously named Magna Science Adventure Centre for a day of anime, gaming and comic books. 8- 9 August Wander round a series of elaborate sci- fi sets and displays ( for nowt!) or buy a ticket and attend a packed day of panels in Dublin city centre.