The organisers of Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics have announced that they will be moving the 2023 event planned for the weekend of Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th May 2023, to the new dates of Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th June 2023 to avoid a clash with the coronation of King Charles III.

Tickets that have already been purchased will remain valid for the hugely popular event at Portsmouth Guildhall that is normally a sell-out before the weekend even opens.

Event Director Nick Coles said, “Until full plans for the coronation are announced this creates some uncertainty for us as event organisers and the potential impact this could have on the Con. Given the size that the event now is and the multiple elements that go into it, after taking several factors into consideration and discussions with our community partners, we have decided it is safer to move the event now rather than be faced with a more challenging move further down the line.”

The event, which only went on sale last month, presents the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment in the biggest family-friendly Comic Con of its kind.

The event will be a place to meet the creators behind your favourite comics, delve into the works behind film and explore some of the biggest franchises around through an exciting range of panels, displays and exhibitions including a celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who and a step into Jurassic Park, plus an incredible range of merchandise to takeaway.

Join the colourful Cosplay Parade and marvel at the creativity of the guest costumers and enjoy a whole heap of interactive fun including retro and board gaming, workshops and a showcase of VR and Creative Futures Technology with the University of Portsmouth.

The special themes that have been announced for 2023 are Villains and the Multiverse!

On Saturday, while surrounded by superheroes, Portsmouth Comic Con shine a light on the villains of the piece, without who there would be no adversity to overcome and no heroes! Meet the characters we all love to hate and celebrate the evil genius of their dastardly plans.

On Sunday, you’re invited you to join other fans in the Portsmouth Comic Con multiverse, a place where you’re encouraged to be whatever/whoever you want to be. Come cosplayed as the character you would most like to be a variant of and make it your own. All while Portsmouth Comic Con celebrate the Marvel universe and all its multiverse powers.

There really is something for everyone aged 3-100+ at Portsmouth Comic Con. If you’re serious about comics, love Marvel/DC and cult series or simply looking for a fun day out – this is the event for you!

• Limited Super Early Bird tickets are now on-sale until 31st October at www.portsmouthcomiccon.com and follow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for announcements as they happen

Existing ticket holders will be contacted by their point or purchase with options for if they are unable to attend the new date

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: British Comics, Comics, Doctor Who, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds, Television

Tags: Doctor Who, downthetubes News, King Charles III, Marvel Comics, Portsmouth, Portsmouth Comic Con