Comic Con hailed as a ‘huge success’
LOUGHBOROUGH’S first ever comic-con was a huge success as more than 800 people came to see special guests from Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and Primeval.
This was the first comic-con event that has been hosted in Loughborough, and organiser Paul Waidley said that it was a massive success and is already looking at guests for next year’s event.
In the past Paul jointly ran a comic con in Reading, but this was his first venture out on his own.
Stars from Game of Thrones, Kerry Ingram, Aimee Richardson and Ross Mullan were all at the event held at Loughbor- ough Leisure Centre last Sunday, (October 22). Other guests included Primeval stars Hannah Spearitt, Ben Mansfield and Andrew Lee Potts.
Hannah was a former member of S Club 7, but sci-fi fans will know her best for playing Abby Maitland in the former ITV series.
Danny John Jules famous for playing Cat in Red Dwarf and policeman Dwayne Myers in from Death in Paradise was also on hand to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
Another guest that must not be forgotten is Sophie Aldred who was companion to the seventh Doctor Who, Sylvester McCoy throughout the 1980s.
There was also a number of comic book artists in attendance including: Liam Shalloo, Grant Perkins, Patrick Scattergood, Lew Stinger, founder of Flintlock Comics - Steve Tanner and Lee Townsend who has had work published by Disney, Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network.
And that wasn’t it! - Popular cosplay guests including Chiquitita Cosplay, Tasha Cosplay UK and Eremgee were all dressed to impress.
Organiser Paul Waidley said: “We had 835 people come through the door all in all, and I think for my first event I was really happy with how it all went.”
“Danny John Jules seemed really popular among guests, and the huge Groot fro Guardians of the Galaxy was a big hit too but overall we had a real great reaction from the people of Loughborough and would like to thank everyone who came along to support the event.
“It was a brilliant day and although I’m now very tired it was all worth it, and I’m already starting to plan things for next year’s comic-con.
“It will definitely be coming back to Loughborough!”