Last weekend, the quiet village of Sutton Bridge was transformed into a bustling hub of fantasy and imagination as Storm Troopers, a giant Warhammer Space Marine, and the Green Goblin, among other iconic characters, took center stage. The inaugural Sutton Bridge Comicon drew in more than 900 attendees of all ages, turning the Curlew Centre and Constitutional Club into a vibrant spectacle of sci-fi, anime, and horror.
This extraordinary event not only entertained attendees but also made a significant impact on charitable causes. Over £450 was raised for Help for Heroes and HeartLinc, a children’s heart charity, showcasing the generosity and community spirit of the participants and visitors alike.
Cosplayers from beloved franchises like Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Warhammer, Marvel Universe, and even Minecraft roamed the area, captivating fans with their detailed and creative costumes. Enthusiastic attendees, many of whom were donned in equally impressive outfits, had the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters and capture memorable moments through photographs.
The event featured a diverse range of attractions, including stalls offering action figures, collectibles, and artwork from iconic movies. Talented novelists showcased their literary works, and a Meta virtual reality machine provided an immersive gaming experience, challenging attendees to claim the top score and win a £50 prize.
Upstairs, actors from renowned franchises like Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Doctor Who greeted fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures. These interactions created cherished memories for attendees, bridging the gap between fans and the stars they admire.
The event organizers, Adam Landy and his wife Melissa, were overwhelmed by the unexpected turnout. Their motivation for organizing the Comicon extended beyond mere entertainment; they aimed to promote positive mental health, foster community unity, and support charitable causes. The heartwarming stories from attendees, ranging from a 10-month-old baby in cosplay to a customer in his 90s, highlighted the event’s inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Noteworthy attendees included Martin Ballantyne, a seasoned actor from Harry Potter, Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series, Indiana Jones, and other major films. Having attended numerous comic-cons both as a fan and an actor, he expressed his delight at being part of this new event. Clem So, known for his roles in James Bond, Star Wars, and Marvel’s Dr. Strange, appreciated the opportunity to meet new people and engage with fans, emphasizing the excitement of participating in a fresh event like Sutton Bridge Comicon.
Additionally, Fred Bell from Boston, one of the storm troopers who enthralled crowds at the Spalding Flower Parade, found joy in bringing smiles to people’s faces. His dedication to visiting hospitals and hospices in costume, coupled with fundraising efforts for charity, showcased the positive impact hobbies can have on the community.
The success of Sutton Bridge Comicon left attendees eagerly anticipating future events. Although the organizers may need some time to recover from this remarkable experience, the overwhelming enthusiasm from attendees ensures that the magic of Comicon will return, bringing more smiles, cherished memories, and charitable contributions to the community.
