If you’ve passed through the city centre over the past few weeks you have most likely spotted the Dalek hanging about outside the Tourism Centre – and maybe even the Tardis on occasion. Don’t worry though we’re not about to host an apocalyptic battle between The Doctor and his arch nemesis – instead Nottingham is about to, once again, host the areas biggest convention. Yep folks Em-Con is returning – and it’s going to be huge.
Celebrating some of the biggest loved cult television and film, Em-Con is packed with a fantastic lineup of guests ranging from film behemoths such as Harry Potter through to cast members from the ORIGINAL Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Among some of the highlights in this years line up are Bonnie Wright who is best known for playing Ginny Weasley in the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise and Arthur Darvill who, having previously played companion Rory Williams in Doctor Who is once again travelling through time time as Rip Hunter in Legends of Tomorrow part of DC’s Arrowverse. Fellow Legends of Tomorrow star Casper Cramp – season one villain Vandal Savage – will also be appearing as will Elysia Rotaru who appeared in fellow DC show Arrow as Taiana Venediktov.
Being, probably, the UK’s biggest sci-fi series Doctor Who is, as ever, well represented, as well as Arthur there will also be appearances from Terry Malloy – who plays Dalek master Davros, and Fady Elsayed from recent spin-off series Class.
Fans of Star Wars and let’s be honest, everyone going is probably a fan (prequels aside) will have the chance to meet the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy, that’s right Bobba Fett himself, aka Jeremy Bulloch, will be in attendance as will Tim Rose who played the fondly remembered Admiral Ackbar.
The recent Power Rangers movie may have been a complete disaster but the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is still fondly remembered by many and two of the team, Blue Ranger David Yost and Black Ranger Walter Jones, will be in town this weekend.
Add to that a host of guest from the likes of Red Dwarf, The 100, Primeval and Battlestar Gallacta makes for a pretty stellar line up all of whom will be available for autographs and many for photo shoots.
As well as the chance to meet the guests many of them will also be taking part in special Q&A panels across the weekend. There will be The 100, Legends of Tomorrow, Harry Potter, Red Dwarf and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers panels on both days of the event. All panels are on a first come first served basis so it’s suggested to queue early if you want to catch one.
Other attractions at the event include the much loved Zombie Cage and the Deloreon from Back to the Future and there will also be a host of trader tables for you to check out.
Of course one of the real joys of any convention is cosplay and while for many it’s just the fun of getting to dress up like one of their icons, however for those with a bit more of a competitive edge there will be a cosplay competition on Sunday with several prizes – there is
also a kids competition for any younglings looking to take part. Please check out the website for cosplay and cosplay competition rules.
Em-Con has become one of the most catch events on the UK convention calendar and this year looks to be no different, with a host of great guests from a huge number of franchises as well as trader tables, Q&A’s, additional attractions and more this is going to be a great weekend so get your tickets, get on your favourite cosplay costume (you know, if you want) and head one down to the Motorpoint Arena this weekend.
Em-Con takes place at the Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 April – tickets from just £10 – check out the Em-Con website for more information – www.em-con.co.uk
By Darren Patterson
@pogester
