This is the downthetubes “rolling list” of major British and Irish comic events, intended as a quick guide to “What’s On”. Follow the links to event web sites for fuller details.
Last Updated: Thursday 18th April 2019 – thank you to everyone who has supplied information so far
Please do also check out our Events News and Exhibition News news streams
As ever, information is welcome: here’s how to contact us. If you don’t see your date added to this list, please re-send the information as it’s entirely possible, given the huge amount of email received, that we’ve missed it first time around – sorry!
Please do not assume we will see a convention announcement on Facebook, Twitter or other social media.
Where no date is listed, we have where possible based an event’s dates within the usual month they take place each year.
• If you’re looking for hotel accommodation near your comics event, why not give Booking.com a try? (affiliate link)
2019 EVENTS
APRIL 2019
Dee-Con 2019
Saturday 20th April – Sunday 21st April 2019
DUSA, The Union, Airlie Place, Dundee DD1 4HP
Everyone aged 12+ needs a ticket. Under 12 go free. All children must be accompanied by an adult
• Facebook Event Page | Buy tickets here on EventBrite
DeeCon is Dundee’s biggest event covering anime, comics, gaming, and cosplay. Having ran for over seven years, it just keeps getting bigger and better!
DeeCon is an opportunity to meet industry professionals, your favourite local content creators and hang out with people just as nerdy as you and browse some awesome merchandise! And don’t forget the After Party!
Attendees include are BaronBoar, Gold Lion Comics, University Of Awesome Press, Masked Man Comics, Otaku Station, Puppy Cosmonaut, Kamikaze Anime, Kitten Scratch Design, SpaceCap Art, Kirsty Murray, Sloth Comics, Crafty Marten Art, Twisted Dreams and many more
Who’s at the Railway- Nene Valley Railway
20th – 21st April 2019
Nene Valley Railway. Home of Thomas, Wansford Station, Peterborough PE8 6LR
• More details on Facebook
Come and Join the 15th Cyber Legion charity costume group and Heroes and Villains from the long running TV SF show. Photo opportunities, two full size Police Boxes (1966 & 2006), a 1970s Interior console room, prop and costume displays as well as amazing costumed characters to meet.
Morecambe Comic Con 2019
10.00am (for pre-booked ticket holders); 12 noon general admission Monday 22nd April 2019 | Tickets £6 (ages 12+) £4 (ages 5 – 11) under 5s free
The Platform, Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4DB
Facebook: morecambecomiccon | Facebook Event Page
Manchester Comic Fest 2019
27th April 2019
Wythenshawe Forum, Manchester M22 5RX
Web: www.facebook.com/manchestercomicfest
MAY 2019
Graphic Brighton Symposium
Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th May 2019
University of Brighton City Campus, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY
Web: graphicbrighton.wordpress.com
There will be an eventbrite sign up for workshops closer to the date, once the schedule for the two days is finalised
BGCP East Kilbride Comic Con 2019
Sunday 4th May 2019
East Kilbride Library, East Kilbride G74 1PG
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets
Portsmouth Comic Con 2019
4th – 5th May 2019
Portsmouth Guildhall
Tickets for Portsmouth Comic Con are on sale now with an Early, Early Bird rate available on all tickets purchased before the end of October 2018 at www.portsmouthcomiccon.com or 0844 847 2362 (calls cost 7p per minute + phone company access charge).
Enniskillen Comic Fest
10th – 11th May 2019
Facebook: https://facebook.com/EnniskillenComicFest/
Oldham Comic Con 3
11th May 2019
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham
Web: https://www.facebook.com/events/325271371350982/?ti=ia
Guests include: Aneke, Steve Austin, Amrit Birdi, Nick Brokenshire, Amy Chu, Michael Carroll, Mike Collins, Neil Edwards, Kevin Enhart, Al Ewing, Martin Griffiths, Kev Hopgood, Laura Howell, John Davis-Hunt, David Millgate, Monte Michael Moore, Simon Myers, James Peaty, Richard Piers Rayner, Ian Richardson, Karl Richardson, John Royle, Lew Stringer, Ellen Stubbings, Dave Taylor, Dylan Teague, Lee Townsend, Keith Williams, Phil Winslade and Steve Yeowell
Bookbug Week
Various events across Scotland
13th – 19th May 2019
Bookbug Week 2019 is happening between 13-19 May and will celebrate ‘Bookbug’s Big Picnic’. Once again the Scottish Book Trust be celebrating Bookbug across Scotland and encouraging everyone to take part in singing, rhyming and sharing stories together over the whole week. They’ll be inviting all families to take part, whether at their local Bookbug Session or at home with friends or online! A whole host of fun story, song and rhyme activities for children will be taking place in local libraries and community venues with activities advertised on an events search on our website. More info here online
BGCP Comic Con: Ayr
11th May 2019
Citadel, Ayr
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets
Lawless 2019
Saturday 18th May
Doubletree by Hilton, Bristol
Web: lawlesscomiccon.co.uk
Lawless Comic Convention is a British based not for profit comic convention organised by fans and for fans. Following the sad passing of Carlos Ezquerra in September 2018, the Lawless team have been working closely with Dredd creator John Wagner to dedicate the convention to the Spanish artist.
They’ll have interviews with fellow creators who worked with Carlos and a dedicated Exhibition showcasing his extensive career through the decades, with original rare art on display.
BGCP Loch Lomond
18th – 19th May 2019
Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets
BGCP Stirling
25th May 2019
Stirling County Rugby Football Club, Bridgehaugh Park, Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5A
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Tickets
A Splendid Day Out – Steamageddon
31st May – 2nd June 2019
The Platform, Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4DB
Web and tickets: www.asplendiddayout.com | Facebook event page
Guests include international science fiction/ steampunk writer Joseph Remesar and author Rosie Garland.
JUNE 2019
Comics Salopia
1st – 2nd June 2019
Mostly free entry
Web: comicssalopia.com | Facebook
Events will take place in a number of venues including the Castle Grounds, The Museum & Art Gallery, The Dana Prison, The Town Square, Shrewsbury Library and the Guildhall University Building.
Organised by Shane Chebsey, with support from the local council, businesses and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, this Festival will raise funds for co-organiser and local councillor Jane Mackenzie’s new charity Share Shrewsbury, which helps people of all ages affected by addiction.
The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard, Judge Dredd creator John Wagner and top Marvel Comics artist Christian Ward will all be part of the festival, along with Dan Berry and Lew Stringer. Overseas guests are expected to be announced in early November 2018.
Numerous shops all across town are getting involved, including Button & Bear Children’s Bookshop and magazine publisher Redan are running the event’s Kids Zone at the library.
Web: https://comicssalopia.com
BGCP Rothes Comic Con
8th June 2019
Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre, Viewfield Road, Glenrothes, KY6 2RD
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets | Facebook
Macc Pow 2019
Saturday 22nd June 2019
Web: http://www.maccpow.co.uk
Glasgow Comic Con 2019
Saturday 29th June, 2019 | 10.00am – 6.00pm
Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3NY
Website: www.glasgowcomiccon.com | Buy Tickets
Twitter: @glasgowcomiccon | Facebook: glasgowcomiccon
Firmly focused on comics, Glasgow Comic Con returns for its ninth year. Meet your favourite creators, browse more than 150 exhibitors and enjoy a packed programme of panels, hosted by top comic critics and podcasters.
For families, the interactive Kids Zone returns. Youngsters can learn how to draw their favourite characters and even make their own superhero outfits. Cosplay is welcome – and encouraged – as the day rounds off with a child-friendly masquerade.
Special guests for this year include Chip Zdarsky and Frank Quitely.
Comic Con World – Blackpool
29th – 30th June 2019, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Web: www.comicconworld.co.uk | Facebook
Announced comics guests: Beano artist Nigel Parkinson
CANCELLED: Lancaster Comics Day
After discussion with the Friends of Lancaster Library, owing to funding challenges Lancaster Comics Day will not take place in June 2019. Discussions are taking place for a different form of the event.
Web: www.lancastercomicsday.uk
CANCELLED Moniaive Comic Festival
June
Moniave, Scotland
We’ve been informed by co-organiser Sue Grant that there won’t be a Moniaive comic Festival in June. But look out for Alan Grant at Lawless, see above.
ELCAF 2019
7th – 9th June 2019
Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm Road, London, E5 0LY and School Rooms, 2 Powerscroft Rd, E5 0PU
Web: http://elcaf.co.uk
JULY 2019
BGCP Hamilton Comic Con
6th July 2019
10.00am – 4.00pm Hamilton Town Hall, 1 Lower Auchingramont Rd, ML3 6HH Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets
BGCP Dunoon
13th July 2019
11.00am – 5.00pm Queens Hall, Dunoon, PA23 7HH
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Buy Tickets
BGCP Glasgow
20th July 2019
11.00am – 5.00pm The Forge Shopping Centre, 1221 Gallowgate, G31 4EB
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Admission Free – Details Here
Melton Mowbray Comic Con 2019
Saturday 20th July 2019
Pera Business Park, Melton Mowbray
Web: www.savagebeastonline.co.uk/melton
Offering a variety of geeky attractions for a day of family fun and festivities.
London Film and Comic Con 2019
26th – 28th July 2019
London Olympia
Web: www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com
BGCP Stirling
27th July 2019
Stirling County Rugby Football Club, Bridgehaugh Park, Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5A
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com
AUGUST 2019
Bournemouth Film and Comic Con 2019
10th – 11th August 2019
Flydsa Arena, Sheffield
Web: http://filmandcomicconsheffield.com
Dublin Comic Con – Summer Edition
9th – 10th August 2019
Convention Centre, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1
Web: www.dublincomiccon.com | Twitter | Facebook
Meet a host of Comic creators, international cosplayers, SFX Industry pros, artists, fans and professionals all coming together for a weekend of talks, workshops, demos, interactive activities and all around great family fun with some amazing guests, panels, cosplay and more.
Glasgow Film and Comic Con 2019
17th – 18th August 2019
Braehead Arena, Glasgow
Web: www.filmandcomicconglasgow.com
Warped Con 2019
21st August – 1st September
Doncaster Race Course
Web: warpedcon.com
Comics guests have yet to be announced by media guest include Star Trek‘s Tim Russ and Doctor Who‘s Sophie Aldred and Sylvester McCoy
ICE: International Comic Expo Birmingham 2019
31st August 2019
Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Web: https://internationlcomicexpo.wordpress.com/
SEPTEMBER 2019
NICE
7th – 8th September 2019
Web: https://nicecon.co.uk | Facebook: https://facebook.com/niceconvention
Aylesbury Geeky-Con XL
Saturday, 21st September 2019
Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 9PP
• More info on Facebook
Aylesbury Geeky-Con XL is back for its third year, with a host of new guests with displays of film and tv, props, merchandise, gaming, cosplay, comic artists, and much much more – with a few surprises along the way.
Coastal Comic Con, Bournemouth 2019
Saturday, 28 September 2019
The Royal Bath Hotel, Bath Road, Bournemouth BH1 2EW
• More information on Facebook
Coastal Comic Con is a community driven celebration of pop culture, coming to Bournemouth in 2019. From comics to cosplay, gaming, film and television, there’s something for everyone – a fantastic, fun-filled day that the whole family can enjoy.
Omagh Comic Fest 2019
Date TBC
Web: https://facebook.com/OmaghComicFest/
Exeter Film and Comic Con 2019
14th – 15th September 2019
Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Web: https://showmastersevents.com/exeter
NOR-CON 9
Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th September 2019
Norwich Showground Indoor Arena, Norwich NR5 0TT
Web: www.nor-con.co.uk
OCTOBER 2019
Bristol Comics and Zine Fair
Date TBC (Usually early October)
Web: https://bczf.co.uk/
Leamington Comic Con 2019
5th October 2019
Leamington Comic Con returns in 2019. The team have moved back to their old October spot on Saturday 5th October 2019 and we promise to give you more comics and creativity than ever before!
They team have been busy behind the scenes and confirmed a number of awesome mainstream comics guests already, which they’ll be announcing over the coming weeks and months.
Web: https://www.facebook.com/events/271848377002793/?ti=icl
Lakes International Comics Art Festival 2019
11th – 13th October 2018
Kendal
Want to receive news about the Lakes International Comic Art Festival? Then sign up for the newsletter now!
• Sign up for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dl479j (GDPR Compliant)
• If you are a member of the local, national or comics press interested in the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, this mailing list is for you: http://eepurl.com/dl5odD (GDPR Compliant)
• More about the Festival at www.comicartfestival.com
Web: www.comicartfestival.com
Nottingham Comic Convention
Date TBC (Usually October)
Web: www.nottinghamcomiccon.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2019
Thought Bubble Festival 2019
Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate
9th-10th November 2019
Web: www.thoughtbubblefestival.com
Thought Bubble has announced major changes for its Festival later this year, moving the event from Leeds to Harrogate – a Yorkshire spa town famous for Betty’s Tea Rooms and RHS Harlow Carr Gardens.
Guests include: Charlie Adlard, Choo, Dong, Lee Garbett, Kieron Gillen, Jock, Mildred Louis, Mick McMahon, Jamie Mckelvie, Megan Nicole, Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, Pernille Ørum, Jillian Tamaki, Spike Trotman, John Wagner, Kyle T. Webster and Matt Wilson
BGCP Kilmarnock
16th November 2019
10.00 – 5.00pm The Grand Hall, 1 London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7AA
Web: www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com | Tickets
ECAF: Edinburgh Comic Art Festival 2019
Edinburgh
Date TBC (November) – Part of Book Week Scotland
Web: http://www.comicartfestival.co.uk
2020 EVENTS
True Believers Comic Festival
Date TBC – Usually February
Head to www.oktruebelievers.com for the latest news
MARCH 2020
Cardiff Film and Comic Con 2020
Usually March
Web: www.filmandcomicconcardiff.com
Dublin Comic Con – Spring Edition
Usually March
Web: www.dublincomiccon.com | Twitter | Facebook
Meet a host of Comic creators, international cosplayers, SFX Industry pros, artists, fans and professionals all coming together for a weekend of talks, workshops, demos, interactive activities and all around great family fun with some amazing guests, panels, cosplay and more.
Liverpool Comic Con 2019
Usually March
Web: liverpoolcc.co.uk
ICE Brighton 2019
9th March 2019
Holiday Inn, King Street, Brighton
Web: https://brightoncomicexpo.wordpress.com
ICE Brighton 2020
Usually March
Web: https://brightoncomicexpo.wordpress.com
London Book Fair 2020
Usually March
Web: www.londonbookfair.co.uk
Yes – we know this isn’t, technically, a comic convention – but many publishers will be at this event.
Carlisle Comic Con 2020
Usually March
More details here on Facebook
Bath Comic-Con 2020
Usually March – Facebook
Dunfermline Comic Con 2020
Usually Late March
Web: facebook.com/events/189115758614739
Medway Comic and Screen Festival 2020
Usually late March
Medway Park
Web: www.zukesmedianetwork.co.uk
South Ribble Comic Con 2020
Usually Late March
Web: facebook.com/events/254569628737814
APRIL 2020
Edinburgh Comic Con 2020
Usually early April
A weekend of madness from the world of film and TV, comic books, gaming, cosplay and much more. Tickets from www.heroconventions.com
Swansea Comic and Gaming Convention 2020
Usually early April
Web: http://scgc.org.uk
Somerset Comicon 2020
Usually mid April
Web: www.mooseeventsuk.com | Facebook
Stoke Con Trent 2020
Usually mid April
Comics Events on the Web – Sources
• downthetubes Event Guide | Events News | Exhibition News
• The Convention Collective: http://theconventioncollective.com
• Comic Conventions UK – www.comicconventions.co.uk
• Facebook – Real Comic Conventions We Love
• Comic and Film Fairs hosted by Golden Orbit – Facebook Listing
• MSE Comic Conventions Listing on Facebook
• Comics and other events hosted by Savage Beast – Facebook Listing
• NWCC Events Group on Facebook – North West-based comics events
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