Over 8000 people attended this year’s Portsmouth Comic Con at Portsmouth Guildhall on last weekend, 3rd – 4th May 2025, which is being lauded as “the best yet” since the event began in 2018.
The hugely successful weekend celebrated all things comic, film, TV and pop culture related in an event that was packed full of displays, workshops, panels, interactive fun and immersive experiences.
Comic creators – and there were plenty of them were kept busy in the Artist’s Alley, while other attended for other media guests from the worlds of film, gaming and TV.
For Star Wars fans, there was nowhere else to be on Sunday, also known as May the Fourth be with you, with the Con’s biggest ever Star Wars experience, which spread across the city’s iconic venue complete with replica props and scene set-ups including speeders, droids and even a Cantina.
Aficionados of the cult series Star Trek could explore a full replica of the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise, while other zones throughout the venue were dedicated to Jurassic Park, complete with a Jeep and giant dinosaur; Doctor Who with a Tardis and Daleks; and Ghostbusters with a Stay-Puft and Ecto-1. Back to the Future fans were also able to get up close to one of the UK’s limited remaining DeLoreans.
For fantasy literature lovers, a new ‘Court of Fantasy & Fae’ experience offered an immersive trip into the world of Romantasy books complete with panel discussions with authors, court dancing workshops, photo opportunities and more.
Celebrity guests of the screen were in attendance, including Red Dwarf actors Chris Barrie and Norman Lovett, and writer Doug Naylor; Harry Potter actor Guy Henry; Star Wars puppeteer Brian Herring; voice actors Kate Harbour and Marc Silk; and more besides. Visitors also had the chance to meet some of the most renowned creators from behind the scenes of the comic and film industry, and delve into the workings of the fandoms through a fascinating range of panels.
“An incredible experience once again!”
Interactive fun and activities could be found across all five floors of Portsmouth Guildhall and the Guildhall Square, including board gaming, retro arcade gaming, a Doodle Planet, Pokemon League, Dungeons & Dragons, character meet and greets and more, plus live music from The Ogretones to finish up Saturday’s activities, along with a huge range of merchandise and collectables.
For many the highlight of the weekend was, as always, the colourful cosplay parades which showcase the talent and creativity of the many visitors who craft and attend in their own costumes, creating the sense of community and atmosphere that is unique to the largest family-friendly Comic Con of its kind.
Portsmouth Comic Con, produced and managed by The Guildhall Trust, is just one of the inspirational events in the charity’s portfolio which engages a wide and diverse demographic, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with culture.
“Amazing weekend! Our 12-year-old and us loved it and my dad at his first Comic Con, aged 68, also loved it!”
Nick Coles, Event Director, said “Every year we challenge ourselves to make Portsmouth Comic Con even better than it was the year before and introduce new and exciting experiences to make sure there is always something surprising and different that people can enjoy.
“We thank all of our partners, some of whom work with us all year round, to make the event what it is. Most importantly, we thank all of our visitors who create such a warm and magical atmosphere that makes Portsmouth Comic Con one of the most special in the country!
“Next year we are back on 2nd and 3rd May and the challenge is on to make 2026’s event even more amazing!”
• Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics will return to Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday 2nd (also Free Comic Book Day) and Sunday 3rd May 2026. Limited Super Early Bird tickets are on sale now at portsmouthcomiccon.com
• Follow Portsmouth Comic Con on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for more announcements as they happen
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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, Film, Other Worlds, Star Trek, Star Wars, Television
The countdown to Portsmouth Comic Con 2024 is on 
Today’s Entertainment, Memorabilia & Movie Props at Ewbank’s offers Frank Hampson, Star Wars, Harry Potter rarities
Leave a Reply