Wales Comic Con (WCC; dually-branded as Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover from 2019–2023 and as Wales Comic Con: Homecoming in 2022) was an annual (later bi-annual, and then tri-annual in 2022) fan convention in the United Kingdom, held in Wrexham, North Wales in 2008–2018, and from 2022 to 2024. From 2019 to 2023, the main event was held in Telford, England, due to demands for a larger venue than in Wrexham, although smaller events returned to Wrexham from 2022, alongside the ones held in Telford. In December 2023, the event organisers announced the convention would no longer be held in Telford.
Wales Comic Con | |
---|---|
Status | Defunct |
Genre | Comic Convention with Fantasy and Sci-Fi programming, as well as Film, general Television, Gaming and Wrestling. |
Venue | Plas Coch Sports Centre (2008–2018; 2022–24) (secondary venue) Telford International Centre (2019–2023) |
Location(s) | Wrexham, North Wales (2008–2018; 2022–24) Telford, Shropshire, England (2019–2023) |
Years active | 2008–2024 |
Inaugurated | 2008 |
Most recent | 6–7 April 2024 | (Wrexham)
Attendance | ~10,000 |
Organised by | Mercury Promotions |
Website | walescomiccon |
The convention closed in April 2024, with owners setting up a convention in southern England.
History and venue
editThe event was founded in Wrexham, Wales in 2007, with the first convention held in 2008,[1] with around 100–150 visitors.[2] Started as an idea by Jaime Milner of North Wales-based events management company Mercury Promotions, it was first held as a one day a year event, until it was increased to two events a year and included some two-day events.[3][4][5]
The event first took place in 2008 at the Plas Coch Sports Centre on Wrexham Glyndŵr University's Plas Coch campus, with 100–150 people.[6][7] Although by 2013 the event later expanded to neighbouring buildings such as the William Aston Hall and Catrin Finch Centre,[8] until the event covered large parts of the university campus.[9][10] The event was locally awarded "Best Visitor Event" in the Wrexham Tourism Ambassador Awards.[3]
The December 2017 one-day event attracted 8,000 visitors.[11] The 2018 event was estimated to have 10,000 visitors.[2]
In 2019, the event was stated by Wrexham County Borough Council to bring in more than £1 million to the regional economy.[12][13]
Move to Telford (2019–2023)
editIn May 2019, organisers announced that the convention would be moving to Telford's International Centre starting with the December 2019 convention, replacing Wrexham as the event's usual location due to demands for a larger venue.[14][15][16] The convention would be branded as "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover" from the December event in Telford. The move met opposition in Wales, with Plaid Cymru councillors branding it a "disgrace", and Wrexham County Borough Council stating it was "very disappointed". Aside capacity restrictions, the venue in Wrexham was said to have parking issues, with parking overflowing and impacting nearby side streets.[17][18][19] The venue attracts around 10,000 visitors, and the council described it to be bringing "exceptional economic benefits" to Wrexham. A councillor stated the move "emphasises the need for [...] better facilities [in Wrexham] [...] [and that] the Welsh Government and Wrexham Council should reflect on this failure". The same councillor also criticised the government's support for a centre (ICC Wales) in Newport and the lack of investment of an equivalent site in North Wales. Plaid Cymru MS Bethan Jenkins hoped a Welsh venue can be found for the event, but questioned that the event could not be called "Wales Comic Con" if held in England.[18]
At the first event in Telford in December 2019, the event's move was welcomed by visitors attending, with a trader stating "it had outgrown Wrexham".[20] Telford used to host a MCM Midlands Comic Con for over 10 years, until it was scrapped in November 2017.[21]
The event on 25–26 April 2020 was moved to August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[22][23] It was later delayed again to 2021.[24]
Return to Wrexham (2022)
editOn 26 June 2022, it was announced that the convention would host a one-day event in Wrexham, working with the university, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government to liaise the return. The August event would be hosted alongside the Telford April and December events.[5][25][26][27][28]
In July 2023, management of the convention confirmed the Wrexham event would return again and took place on 2–3 September 2023.[29]
Leaving Telford (2023) and closing
editIn December 2023, the event's organisers announced that it will no longer be held at the International Centre in Telford. No replacement venue was yet announced at the time.[30]
In April 2024, the convention announced its ceasing of operations, instead announced setting up a convention in Farnborough, Hampshire.[31]
Convention features
editFor the 2016 convention, the convention was set up as follows:[32]
Photographs and Autographs
editPhotograph sessions were held in either of the two main halls with a select few guests offering photographs on either day of the two-day event, costing £10–30 on the day. Autograph signing sessions were available in the main hall on both days, costing £10–25 for a signature each, and could be pre-ordered online as well as in-person.[32] In 2019, Rupert Grint charged £125 each either a signature or photo, higher than many other guests attending.[33]
Q&A panels
editQ&A panels were held on both days from 11.20 am to 5pm, in either the William Aston Hall (the event's "Hall A") or the Nick Whitehead Suite ("Hall B") at the university, and were included as part of an entry ticket. Guests may talk about their shows and behind-the-scenes at these panels.[32]
Aftershow Party
editAn aftershow party was held at The Centenary Club bar near the Racecourse Ground next to the university in 2016.[32]
Gaming Zone
editA gaming zone (or gaming arena) was set up to allow visitors to bring retro gaming consoles to share with other visitors, with some dating 2–3 decades old.[32] The zone also includes the latest gadgetry and games, and it described as "always packed".[13] In Wrexham, this zone was held in a "Gaming Tent" on some occasions.[10]
Cosplay
editCosplay is visible throughout the event, with parades, competitions and some photo opportunities available to those who participate in cosplay.[32] Including a "Best Craftmanship" award at later events.[34][35]
Cosplay Masquerade
editA cosplay masquerade is held at some events, allowing visitors to have photographs taken with various cosplay artists and props portraying known cultural icons and franchises.[10]
Stalls
editStalls displaying various licensed and video game memorabilia and merchandise, as well as collectables and artwork were set up for viewing and sale.[13][36] Various video game, comic, art, action figure, photography, collectable, and gift traders participate in the event.[37]
Robot combat (Wrexham 2022)
editFor the 2022 Wrexham event, a robot combat event would take place at the convention, based on Robot Wars.[38]
Location, dates and notable guests
editSee also
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Wales Comic Con". www.walescomiccon.com. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Wales Comic Con: Thousands flock to anniversary sci-fi convention in Wrexham". The Leader. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Wales Comic Con crowned Best Visitor Event". conferencevenues.glyndwr.ac.uk. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover". 1883 Magazine. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Wales Comic Con comes home to Wrexham – with hope for more events locally". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Thousands turnout for Wales Comic Con's tenth anniversary celebrations!". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Welton, Blake (23 April 2015). "Wales Comic Con 2015: Essential information on the Wrexham event". North Wales Live. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con Has Its Most Successful Year To Date". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ "Thousands Flock To Wrexham For Wales Comic Con". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ a b c "Huge Success For Wales Comic Con 2015". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con: Thousands of fans flock to see their sci-fi heroes in Wrexham". North Wales Chronicle. 4 December 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ Stevens, Gill (29 April 2019). "Thousands turn out for Wales Comic Con - news.wrexham.gov.uk". Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Stevens, Gill (25 April 2019). "Wales Comic Con.... putting Wrexham on the map - news.wrexham.gov.uk". Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ Sayce, Rebecca (15 May 2019). "Wales Comic Con announces move to Telford". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con is moving... to Shropshire!". Whitchurch Herald. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con is moving out of Wrexham... to England!". The Leader. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con event moves from Wrexham to Telford". BBC News. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ a b "'Disgrace' as Wales Comic Con to be held in England". Nation.Cymru. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2022. This source quotes Carrie Harper for "disgrace".
- ^ Leaver, Joel (15 May 2019). "Wrexham's Wales Comic Con move to England labelled a 'disgrace'". North Wales Live. Retrieved 13 August 2022. This source quotes Marc Jones for "disgrace".
- ^ "Wales Comic Con bigger and better than ever after move from Wrexham to Telford". The Leader. 10 December 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ O'Brien, Lisa (22 December 2017). "Petition launched to save axed Telford Comic Con". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover cancelled due to coronavirus advice". Denbighshire Free Press. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ a b Sayce, Rebecca (16 March 2020). "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover rescheduled due to coronavirus fears". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ a b Smith, Rory (8 July 2020). "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover postponed until 2021". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con set to return to Wrexham two years after move to England". The Leader. 26 June 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con comes home to Wrexham – with hope for more events locally". North.Wales. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con set to return to North Wales two years after move to England". Rhyl Journal. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con gearing up for return to Wrexham for "Homecoming" event on Sunday". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Here's when 'epic' Wales Comic Con will return to Wrexham this year". The Leader. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ Newbold, Mark (11 December 2023). "Takeover no more: Wales Comic Con to move on from Telford". Fantha Tracks | Daily Star Wars News. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "24 April". Wales Comic Con @ Facebook. 24 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Welton, Blake (20 April 2016). "Wales Comic Con 2016 Part One - Essential information on the Wrexham event". North Wales Live. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ "How much it will cost fans for autograph and photo with Harry Potter star Rupert Grint". Chester and District Standard. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ Roberts, Joanne (16 June 2016). "Glyndwr Comic Con cosplay competition winner has eye set on next event". North Wales Live. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ "University Student Wins Cosplay Prize at Wales Comic Con". Deeside.com. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "A galaxy of stars will meet fans at the next Wales Comic Con". Border Counties Advertizer. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Exhibitors List". www.walescomiccon.com. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ Arron Evans (5 August 2022). "Popular Robot Wars to make an appearance at Wales Comic Con in Wrexham". The Leader. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ Freeman, John (25 March 2011). "Wales Comic Con features Simon Furman in line up". downthetubes.net. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - Wales Comic Con - Official Homepage". walescomiccon.com. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - Wales Comic Con - Official Homepage". walescomiccon.com. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Sport & Wrestlers - Wales Comic Con - Official Homepage". walescomiccon.com. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Media & Film - Wales Comic Con - Official Homepage". walescomiccon.com. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 15 May 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "HOME - Wales Comic Con - Official Homepage". walescomiccon.com. 10 April 2014. Archived from the original on 10 April 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - November 2014". walescomiccon.com. 15 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - November 2014". walescomiccon.com. 6 November 2014. Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - April 2015". walescomiccon.com. 19 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - April 2015". walescomiccon.com. 19 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - 2015". walescomiccon.com. 28 November 2015. Archived from the original on 28 November 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - 2015". walescomiccon.com. 22 November 2015. Archived from the original on 22 November 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - 2016". walescomiccon.com. 26 April 2016. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - 2016". walescomiccon.com. 12 April 2016. Archived from the original on 12 April 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - November 2016". walescomiccon.com. 4 November 2016. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Artists & Writers - 2017". walescomiccon.com. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 15 January 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Film & Media - 2017". walescomiccon.com. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 15 January 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - December 2017". walescomiccon.com. 2 December 2017. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - April 2019". walescomicon.com. 22 April 2018. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - December 2018". walescomiccon.com. 30 September 2018. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
- ^ "Harry Potter star Rupert Grint is coming to Wrexham for Wales Comic Con". The Leader. 12 March 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ Morris, Lydia (11 March 2019). "This Harry Potter star's coming to North Wales - here's how you can meet them". North Wales Live. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Morris, Lydia (15 March 2019). "This Doctor Who legend is the latest star announced in Wales Comic Con lineup". North Wales Live. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - April 2019". walescomiccon.com. 23 April 2019. Archived from the original on 23 April 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Walking Dead star Josh McDermitt sends message to Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover fans". www.shropshirestar.com. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Growcott, Matthew (6 August 2019). "Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom star coming to Telford Comic Con". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover 2019 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover 2020 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - November 2021". walescomiccon.com. 20 November 2021. Archived from the original on 20 November 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ Robertson, Dominic (29 March 2022). "David Tennant and Andy Serkis to star in 'best line-up yet' at Telford comic con". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - April 2022". walescomiccon.com. 24 January 2022. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con announce "Chrissy" from Stranger Things for Wrexham event". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "'See you there!' - Wrexham actor is latest star announced for Wales Comic Con line-up". The Leader. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ "Guests - August 2022". walescomiccon.com. 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Wales Comic Con - Guest list". www.walescomiccon.com. 12 August 2022. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
- ^ "Telford Guest List". walescomiccom.com. 7 April 2023. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ "What to expect as Wales Comic Con hits Wrexham this weekend". The Leader. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ "Telford Guests". walescomiccon.com. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023.
- ^ Jones, Megan (19 November 2023). "See inside Wales Comic Con as visitors from all over the UK arrive to take over Telford centre". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 8 February 2024.