Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
COMIC FESTIVAL
See super heroes and comic book stars come to life this weekend, as the Medway Comic and Screen Festival brings all things sci and fi to the area. Angela Cole looks at what’s on offer
Want a selfie with a Wookiee and an autograph from a Time Lord? For the third year running, the Medway Comic and Screen Festival will see characters from the pages of comic books and sci-fi characters old and new materialise in Medway.
It’s a chance to pick up autographs, snap selfies with stars from the big and small screens, and mingle with plenty of like- minded sci-fi fans. Among the stars beaming in will be the seventh incarnation of Doctor Who, Sylvester Mccoy, who is expected to appear on the Sunday. The quirky Scottish actor played the Doctor from 1987 to 1989, and more recently played the wizard Radagast the Brown in Peter Jackson’s film of The Hobbit.
He will be joined by Sophie Aldred, who played his sidekick Ace.
Also due to appear on the Saturday will be Josh Herdman, known for playing one of Draco Malfoy’s henchman Gregory Goyle in the Harry Potter films. He has also appeared in the 2002 Thunderpants film with fellow Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint.
Star of the BBC’S Versailles and Merlin, Welsh actor Alexander Vlahos is due to appear on the Saturday.
There will be all kinds of merchandise and memorabilia on sale, from comics and gaming to sci-fi goodies all under one roof and almost 50 stars and illustrators will be appearing.
And don’t forget to suit up – it’s not just the guests who will be in costume. Be prepared for some serious cosplay, and come in your best superhero finest.
Among those taking the dressing up lead will be Kent Ghostbusters, fans who put their fandom to positive use by attending events and raising money for charities and Imperial Outlanders, a Star Wars costume club whose main focus is to build a community of costumed fans.