As I write this, one of the favourite conventions for us here at Londontopia is just around the bend—DragonCon (it has since passed, it was last weekend). A major fantasy, sci-fi, history, and everything-you-can-think-of-convention, it’s a must-attend event regardless of which side of the pond you find yourself. Of course, America doesn’t have exclusive rights to conventions and London has plenty for you to visit. Whether you’re into comic books, films, anime, science-fiction, literature, and more, you can find a convention to feed your geeky side. If you’re looking to indulge in your hobbies in the coming year, have a look at one of these five conventions or let us know your favourites in the comments.
London Super Comic Con
Typically held in August every year, London Super Comic Con is one of the biggest geek events to happen in Islington. LSCC is a relatively new convention, having only started in 2012 and is now in its fifth year, though it has never been short of famous guests. During the first year, the biggest name was none other than Stan Lee, the creator of many Marvel heroes. While most comic book conventions are filled with other genres, LSCC sticks to its roots with its guests being writers, artists, editors, and publishers. Attendees can even take courses from these professionals in order to hone their craft.
London Anime & Gaming Con
While you might miss out on LSCC for this year, if you’re an anime fan, gamer, or cosplayer, London Anime & Gaming Con is just around the corner in February. In addition to being able to experience so many genres at LAGC, one of the best things it has going for it is a weekend admission price of only £29. Their guests may not be the biggest names in entertainment, but they include many known cosplayers and voice actors. If you’re not sure about the convention scene or want a smaller environment, LAGC’s 3,000+ attendees might be more for you before you try attending a much larger and more crowded con. Even with its smaller size, you can believe that there’s always something going on, from lectures to cosplay contests.
London Film & Comic Con
London Film & Comic Con in July is the place to go to if you want to see big-name guests from film and television. Everyone from Benedict Cumberbatch to Carol Cleveland made it out for the 2017 convention, which offered attendees the opportunity to meet their favourite celebs, get an autograph, and even have a photo taken with them. Events at the convention revolve primarily around comics, gaming, and cosplay. You can also have your photo taken with the TARDIS, the Weasley’s Ford Anglia, and even sitting in Sheldon’s spot on the Big Bang Theory couch. There is also the opportunity to attend many panels featuring your favourite stars and see real props from film and television up close.
Hyper Japan Festival
While LAGC concerns itself primarily with anime, any Japanophiles will certainly want to attend Hyper Japan on Tobacco Dock in July, which features many aspects of Japanese culture. Beyond anime, cosplay, and gaming, you can have the opportunity to learn about fashion, cuisine, and the latest technology from the Land of the Rising Sun. At Hyper Japan, you can experience the full range of Japanese culture without ever leaving London. There may not be many famous media guests, but the Sake Experience presents the chance to sample over two dozen different versions of the drink and the Hyper Live stage always has a great musical or ceremonial event for attendees.
MCM Comic Con
San Diego Comic Con, NYCC, and DragonCon may be the big cultural events in America, but the UK is not without its own celebration of popular culture with MCM Comic Con. Run by the Movie Comic Media Expo Group and held twice per year, one of the conventions falls in May and the other in late October. Located in Newham at ExCel London, visitors can see television and film stars, participate in fan-run panels, and dress up as their favourite characters. Additionally, it can be an opportunity for every studio from the BBC to Disney to show off upcoming projects and promote new media. Essentially, it’s London Film & Comic Con on steroids, and if you happen to miss one convention, you can always attend the next one a few months later. MCM is hands-down the biggest comic, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and everything else convention that London has to offer.
Author: John Rabon
John is a regular writer for Anglotopia and its sister websites. He is currently engaged in finding a way to move books slightly to the left without the embarrassment of being walked in on by Eddie Izzard. For any comments, questions, or complaints, please contact the Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's haircut.