Lightsabers, cosplay and familiar faces from some of cinema’s biggest franchises are all set to descend on Swindon next month as Comic Con returns to STEAM Museum.
The popular event, organised by Stars of Time, takes place on Saturday 20 June and promises another packed day for fans of film, television, gaming and comics.
Among this year’s headline guests are Warwick Davis, known for roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter, actor and broadcaster Brian Blessed, whose unmistakable voice has become legendary across stage and screen, and Ben Whitehead, best known as the voice behind Wallace in Wallace & Gromit.
Alongside celebrity appearances, visitors can expect prop displays, photo opportunities, virtual reality experiences and a host of independent traders selling memorabilia tied to popular franchises and characters.
As in previous years, fancy dress is expected to be a major part of the atmosphere, with attendees encouraged to arrive in costume and take part in a free cosplay competition during the day.
Additional attractions include lightsaber training sessions and a tribute to Kermit the Frog, adding to what organisers hope will be a broad mix of nostalgia and family entertainment.
Frances Yeo, Manager of STEAM Museum, said the event has become one of the highlights of the venue’s calendar.
“There’s always a fantastic atmosphere when Comic Con comes to STEAM,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see people coming together to celebrate the films, shows and characters they love.”
She added that this year’s line-up promises something for visitors of all ages, whether lifelong collectors or families attending for the first time.
The museum’s industrial setting has helped give the event a distinctive character in recent years, blending Swindon’s railway heritage with the colourful world of science fiction and fantasy.
Tickets are now available through the STEAM Museum website, priced at £17.50 for adults and £13 for children.
For one day at least, Swindon’s old railway works will once again become a meeting point for Jedi knights, animated inventors, superheroes and space adventurers alike.
