Stars of some of our favourite television programmes and films – including Darth Vader himself - are heading to North West Leicestershire for its first ever EM-Con.
The Comic-Con-style event at Hermitage Leisure Centre, in Whitwick, will welcome actors and actresses from Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and Star Wars, including Dave Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original trilogy.
Fans of all things sci-fi and fantasy will be able to meet their idols while also enjoying stalls from specialised traders, artists and even a zombie enclosure.
There will also be the chance to have photo with the TARDIS, a Dalek, Han Solo frozen in carbonite, and a portrait of Vigo from Ghostbusters II.
EM-Con will take place from 10am on Saturday, September 2 at the Hermitage Leisure Centre, in Silver Street, Whitwick and other guests on the day include:
- Doctor Who quartet Katy Manning, Jon Davey, Dan Starkey and Sarah Louise Madison
- Dominic Carter who portrayed Janos Slynt in Game of Thrones
- Mike Edmonds who played Logray the head shaman of the Ewoks in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
Doctor Who artist Lee Sullivan and cosplayer Tabitha Lyons will also be in attendance sharing their talents with fans. Attendees are welcome to wear tasteful fancy dress and cosplay outfits at the event.
EM-Con has already enjoyed lots of success hosting similar events across the Midlands including a well-attended event in Burton last year, and an annual convention in Nottingham.
Event organiser Lee Wallis said: "We're delighted to be bringing EM-Con to Leicestershire - we've been working especially hard to make sure our first show here is our best yet and we're sure people are going to love it!
"We're lucky to have found the perfect venue for putting on a show that will please everyone from families looking for a fun day out to pop culture obsessives who want to geek out.
"EM-Con gets a great reception around the country so we can't wait to get to Whitwick and bring our special guests with us."
Councillor Alison Smith, the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for community services, said: "It is great news that this new and exciting event is coming to the district and we’re confident it will be a huge success.
"Hermitage Leisure Centre has already hosted the very successful Larp-Con this year and it’s great to have another convention coming to town. We have seen that EM-Con events have proven popular in other parts of the Midlands and we’re delighted that they have chosen to come to Whitwick next month."
Tickets cost £10 or £5 for children under eight, and people are advised to book in advance by visiting the website here. Additional charges are in place for pictures and autographs with media guests.
