Sequel cements event’s popularity with record visitor numbers
Over 2,000 people attended the White Rock’s Hastings Comic Con, 20th-21st June, building on the success of its debut year to deliver another hugely successful weekend celebrating all things comic, film, TV and pop culture related.
Organised by The Guildhall Trust, operators of the White Rock Theatre since February 2024, the two day event was packed full of displays, workshops, panels, interactive fun and immersive experiences, with Red Dwarf’s celebrity guests – Chris Barrie, Doug Naylor and Norman Lovett – proving a huge draw. Their panel, hosted by radio presenter and TV and film buff Paul Marsh, packed out Studio 27, with fans relishing the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories before meeting their heroes for photos and autographs.
Fans also enjoyed meeting Star Wars puppeteer Brian Herring, alongside voiceover artists Kate Harbour (Bob the Builder, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run) and Marc Silk (Scooby Doo, Star Wars, Johnny Bravo and Chicken Run), who discussed their craft in two interviews on Sunday.
Artist Alley also gave visitors the opportunity to discover independent creators alongside internationally recognised comic artists, including David Lafuente, known for Ultimate Spider-Man, Harley Quinn and Batman Eternal, 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), amongst others.
As ever, attendees pulled out all the stops with their cosplay costumes, transforming the White Rock into a colourful celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and fandom. Many of the cosplayers showed off their creations in the Cosplay Parades hosted by the Sussex Cosplay Alliance, which took place over both days of the Con.
Venue Director, Nadine Passley said: “It was a joy to see so many incredible costumes this year and people truly embracing the event. What an amazing opportunity to bring this community together to all celebrate our inner geek.”
Lifelong Whovians shared the excitement of exploring the Doctor Who exhibition on the venue’s main stage, featuring Daleks from the BBC archive and props department. Families and friends came together to take on an interactive quest: The Storymaster’s Tales – School of Wizards and Witches, an interactive adventure show featuring the voice of Tom Baker.
The venue’s Stalls Bar was transformed into the Star Wars’ Scavengers Yard, filled with detailed props, courtesy of Scavenger Props and Bay-12. The Star Wars Experience was a huge feature of the weekend, with droids, games of Sabacc and a photo opportunity with a huge 10ft Grummgar. Visitors loved getting photos of themselves riding a replica Tauntaun from The Empire Strikes Back, and meeting prop maker Michael Whiteley.
Even locals were in on the comic universe, entertained by the Ghostbusters Ecto-19 van parked outside the venue and the Incredible Hulk dominating the theatre roof.
Nick Coles, Events Director for The Guildhall Trust, said “Last year’s Hastings Comic Con was a brilliant addition to the White Rock’s calendar of events, and we are delighted that the sequel was just as thrilling, with a record number of people through the door.
As an organisation, we want to create events that inspire and engage people of all ages. A huge thank you to everyone who came along, and to all our guests, partners and supporters helping to put Hastings Comic Con on the map.”
Hastings Comic Con will return to the White Rock in June 2027. Keep an eye on the website – hastingscomiccon.com – for details of Super Early Bird tickets.
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