MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON IS BACK IN TOWN!
As is traditional, MCM starts its 2019 convention season with a bang this month. MCM Birmingham Comic Con returns to the NEC next week on 23-24 March for another fun-filled weekend of geeky goodness.
Media Guests
This time, the special guests include:
- Asa Butterfield , star of acclaimed new Netflix comedy drama Sex Education;
- The Umbrella Academy cast members Tom Hopper (Black Sails, Game of Thrones, Merlin) and series breakout star Emmy Raver-Lampman (Hamilton, Wicked);
- Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario. Martinet has played Nintendo’s iconic mascot in more than 100 videogame titles – a Guinness World Record;
- Veronica Taylor (Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and fellow voice actor Patricia Summerset (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
- Cat our previous chat with Veronica on Issue 1-05
- Supernatural‘s Felicia Day (The Guild, Mystery Science Theater 3000) & Osric Chau (Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Kings of Con);
- Game of Thrones‘ Miltos Yerolemou (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Danish Girl) and Ian Beattie (Alexander, Vikings); and
- Merlin Alexander Vlahos (Versailles) and Rupert Young (Doc Martin).
“More than 35,000 visitors are expected to join us and our great line-up of special guests, comic creators and exhibitors when MCM Birmingham throws open its doors later this month,” said Laura McCrum, MCM’s National Event Manager. “It’s always a joy to meet so many like-minded fans – many of whom come dressed for the occasion in cool costumes! 2019 is shaping up to be a great year for MCM, and we can’t wait to kick it off in Birmingham.”
Other Activities
As well as spectacular special guests, MCM Birmingham will play host to a Comic Village crammed with talented artists and writers; a Cosplay Stage showcasing the colourful costumes and crafting skills of the UK’s cosplay community. There’s also an eclectic range of exhibitors selling everything from toys and film props to original artwork and anime.
For younger superheroes there’s also the new Treehouse interactive area with face painting, free-play Lego, book readings and Jedi training to keep them entertained – so make sure to take advantage of their fantastic ‘Kids Go Free’ offer!
Visitors will also get the chance to:
- Take part in a Hellboy Cosplay Competition, celebrating the 25th anniversary of legendary comic book creator Mike Mignola’s most famous creation;
- Enjoy a special live D&D show with the Outside Xbox crew, as Dungeon Master Johnny Chiodini takes the ragtag Oxventurers on their latest perilous quest;
- Watch on-stage panels, including Tom Hopper and Emmy Raver-Lampman talking The Umbrella Academy and a Sex Education chat with show star Asa Butterfield;
- Get a first look at Birmingham-based supernatural series Lucid the Dreamwalker;
- Discover the next big thing, as editors from Den of Geek, SFX, SciFiNow and other pop culture publications debate the future of the genre; and
- Train in LED sabre fighting techniques thanks to the Silver Sabres Combat Academy.
Tickets
Weekend tickets are expected to sell out soon. Tickets for MCM Birmingham Comic Con are available from their online store. To stay up-to-date with show news, visit mcmcomiccon.com/birmingham
* ‘Kids Go Free’ Family Offer – Up to two children aged 10 and under get into the show for free with all ticket holders.
If it’s your first visit, it might be a little bit daunting. With so much to see and do, we thought we’d give you a short guide on how to make the best of your time there.
Comic Con General Tips
- Wear Sensible Footwear (if you’re not Cosplaying!) – You’ll probably do a LOT of walking around to try and fit it all in, and don’t forget to bring some plasters for those blisters if needed.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids Similar to wearing sensible footwear, keeping yourself hydrated is always a good idea. The Halls can get warm with the thousands of attendees and you’ll be glad to have some thirst relief. There’s plenty of food stalls both inside the convention and in the NEC itself, or you could pop over to Resorts World if you fancy a more leisurely dining experience.
- Bring Cash Most Vendors will now accept card payments but the internet data signal can occasionally get overwhelmed. There’s plenty of ATMs onsite but the queues can get long with other events on at the NEC. You won’t want to miss out on that exclusive Funko Pop or Build-a-Bear.
- Batteries Whether spare batteries for a camera or a battery pack for your phone, it’s always advisable to bring some POWER with you, if not for yourself, your friends will thank you when you need to make that phone call.
- Hand Sanitiser One of those things that’s always handy after you’ve forgot to bring some!
And most importantly..
- Cosplay Is NOT Consent If you’re taking pictures of some of the FANTASTIC cosplays you’ll see at MCM Comic Con, remember to ask permission first. Be polite and respectful, and if you love the cosplay give them a follow on their social media pages. You can find more information on Photography Rules at the Terms & Conditions Page.
- If you need more info, this handy video from DPiddy will give you some tips:
- Other than that, HAVE FUN!
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