Sci fi conventions (as well as fantasy, gaming and other fandom genres) are events created for fans to attend to meet with each other, and share their passion for that fandom. It can be for a specific film/show (Doctor Who, Star Wars etc), or cover multiple fandoms.

What to expect

The following are things you can expect at a convention:

Panels & Talks: Industry professionals, writers, actors, and experts discuss genre topics.

Guest Signings & Photo Ops: Celebrities from TV, film, and literature often appear.

Cosplay: Many fans dress up as their favourite characters. There may be contests and parades.

Merchandise Stalls: Vendors sell collectibles, art, books, clothing, props, and more.

Workshops & Games: From prop-making tutorials to tabletop RPGs and video game tournaments.

Fan Communities: Clubs and fandom groups often have meetups or host activities.

Who goes to conventions?

A wide variety of people attend these events. There is often a feeling of community and they can be very welcoming to newbies. They appeal to fans of all ages — including families, hardcore collectors, casual watchers, cosplayers, artists, gamers, readers and writers.

What to wear


Anything goes! You can wear casual clothes or come fully dressed as a Stormtrooper, Hobbit, or Sailor Moon.
(For more on cosplay, see here.)

Biggest Conventions in the UK

Conventions come in many sizes. Here are some of the largest.
1. MCM Comic Con (London, Birmingham, Manchester)

  • Size: Huge—tens of thousands attend.
  • Scope: Covers everything from comics and anime to sci-fi and gaming.
  • Guests: Hollywood actors, YouTubers, voice actors, comic artists.
  • Tickets: ~£25–£75 per day, VIP passes can be more (£100+).
  • Website: www.mcmcomiccon.com

2. London Film & Comic Con (LFCC)

  • Held: Usually at Olympia, London.
  • Focus: TV/film guests, photo ops, autograph sessions.
  • Tickets: ~£20–£60 standard; extras for autographs/photos.
  • Website: www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com

3. Sci-Fi Weekender

  • Unique Aspect: It’s a full weekend of immersive fandom, held in resorts or remote locations.
  • Activities: Music, cosplay, club nights, panels, performances.
  • Tickets: Weekend passes from ~£100–£250 depending on accommodation.
  • Website: www.scifiweekender.com

4. World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)

Occasionally held in the UK (e.g., Loncon in 2014, Glasgow in 2024).


Smaller/Local or Niche Conventions

1. Eastercon (British National Science Fiction Convention)

  • Focus: Literature, discussion panels, fan culture.
  • Audience: Bookish, older crowd, thoughtful panels.
  • Tickets: ~£60–£100 for the weekend.
  • Website: eastercon.org

2. Thought Bubble (Leeds)

3. UK Games Expo (Birmingham)

  • Focus: Board games, tabletop RPGs, wargames.
  • Tickets: ~£20–£35 per day, discounts for multiple days.
  • Website: www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk

4. Smaller Fan-Run Cons (e.g. Redemption, Novacon, Satellite)

  • Often held in hotels, focused on community and discussion.
  • Run by volunteers, more intimate vibe.
  • Tickets: ~£30–£60
  • Great for socialising and getting involved.