Red Dwarf and Star Wars celeb guests, Pokémon, Daleks, true crime, and more confirmed for 20-21 June
Hastings Comic Con returns to the White Rock Theatre on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2026 with cult TV stars, Star Wars experiences, Pokémon tournaments, retro gaming, cosplay parades and much more, across a packed two-day weekend by the sea.
Star Wars fans can ride a full-size tauntaun replica from The Empire Strikes Back (included with their ticket), while interactive displays will transport visitors to a galaxy far, far away. The Scavengers Yard is an immersive environment filled with detailed props, alongside a depot of familiar service droids, and it’ll be hard to miss the towering 10ft Grummgar from The Force Awakens.
Celebrity guests include Chris Barrie, Norman Lovett and Doug Naylor who reunite for a special Red Dwarf panel confirmed for Saturday 20th June in Studio 27. They will be joined by Guy Henry (Star Wars: Rogue One, Harry Potter), Brian Herring (Star Wars, Doctor Who, The Muppets), Kate Harbour (Bob the Builder, Chicken Run), and Marc Silk (Scooby-Doo, Star Wars).
In Artist Alley, internationally-recognised comic book artist David Lafuente, known for Ultimate Spider-Man, Harley Quinn and Batman Eternal, is now confirmed to join Hannah Berry (UK Comics Laureate 2019–21), Cian Tormey (DC Comics), Rob Williams (Judge Dredd), Colleen Douglas (Amigo Comics) and Jordan Thomas (Flash Gordon, EC Comics). Visitors can chat to the artists and watch them at work.
The Portsmouth Pokémon League will be offering casual play and competitive tournaments for all ages throughout the weekend. Visitors can join Learn-to-Play sessions perfect for beginners looking to get started or for experienced players refining their Pokémon Trading Card Game skills.
Elsewhere across Hastings Comic Con, Doctor Who fans should look out for full-size Daleks, a Cyberman and K9 on the main stage courtesy of Who-ray. Tom Baker voices the interactive adventure quest The Storymaster’s Tales: School of Wizards and Witches for all ages 7+ to play. A Ghostbusters van will be parked outside the entrance full of movie props and the ‘Mean Green Ghost’ himself Slimer will be roaming around looking for hot dogs! And Hastings’ own True Crime Museum brings a genuinely unsettling collection of artefacts exploring the darker side of criminal history, including a real brain drill once used for lobotomies.
Take on the Table Top Escape Rooms alone or in teams, who will be able to compete against each other at the same time. Retro gaming fans can expect a huge variety of arcade consoles provided by Game Over, with classics including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Ninja Turtles, Street Fighter and more.
Cosplay parades are back by popular demand, giving all cosplayers the chance to amaze the audience with their creativity on stage, hosted once again by Sussex Cosplay Alliance on both days. A huge range of toys, souvenirs, art and merchandise will be displayed by traders at Hastings White Rock: perfect for collectors or anyone happy to support small businesses and independent artists.
Hastings Comic Con is produced by The Guildhall Trust, the team behind the hugely successful Portsmouth Comic Con.
Hastings Comic Con Producer Curt Hill said: “From legendary comic creators and cult TV stars to Star Wars environments you can step into with dozens of replica props to see up close, this is shaping up to be a proper pop culture weekend by the sea. We can’t wait to welcome fans back this June for an even bigger event than before.”
New for this year is a weekend ticket that covers both days for £25. There are also concession tickets for students (£11), under 14s (£10), and under 5s (£1). Tickets are available now at hastingscomiccon.com where more information can be found. Find the latest updates and announcements on the Hastings Comic Con Facebook and Instagram pages.
