By Mal Butler
Hundreds of people, and plenty of celebrities, turned out for the annual Fan TC Con at the Medina Leisure Centre, Newport, last Saturday.
The event was organised by Adam Pearson, who has been involved with the exhibition since about 2017.
TV and film stars, Elodie Grace Orkin, Chris Rankin, and Craig Fairbrass, attended, along with David Howe, who has one of the largest collections of Doctor Who merchandise in the world.
Adam said: “It was a huge success. I think there were around 600 people there and 450 in costume. As well as our ‘Dalek Centre’ there were characters from Star Wars, as well as superheroes from DC and Marvel comics.
“I first got involved in a small way but, gradually, took over the event which was originally based in Cowes.
“We moved to Newport this year because of access and transport. It’s so popular because when people dress up, they can detach from their real lives and become a different character. There are lots of fantasy fans on the Island and they really enjoy the day.
“We had all sorts of activities with retro-gaming, a Gladiator ring with fake axe-throwing, and stalls selling diverse things such as merchandise, jewellery and fudge.
“It’s really a community event, and anyone leaving at the end of the day was certainly not bored!”
Isle of Wight Observer