Comic-Con set to return to Durham in March - here's what to expect

As part of the event, Unleashed Events will bring a full day of comic books, competitions and costumes to Rainton Arena in Houghton le Spring on Sunday, March 6.

Fans of the TV programme Merlin, the British medieval fantasy drama, will be delighted to hear that Alexander Vlahos, who had the role of Mordred will be attending Durham Comic-Con. 

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The actor is also starred as Philippe, Duke of Orleans in the periodic drama Versailles as well as various roles in Doctors, Crash, Privates and the National Geographic series Genius. 

Alongside Alexander will be Roger Ashton-Griffiths, best known for his role as Mace Tyrell in the HBO fantasy series Game Of Thrones.  Roger has also appeared in numerous high profile films including Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, Pirates, The Wind in The Willows and Brazil. 

His television work includes Jack the Ripper, Merlin, Doctor Who, and Coronation Street. 

Spiderman and classic video games will be part of the comic event. Picture: UNLEASHED EVENTS.

No comic-con would be complete without a Star Wars element to it and Keith De’Winter brings an interesting aspect to it as he worked as a creature and droid performer in two Star Wars films. 

In Episode VII The Force Awakens, he portrayed Goss Toowers and in Star Wars The Last Jedi, it was Terrib Igmusk. 

Keith’s work as a creature performer has allowed him to work in several films as well as in theatres up and down the country but one of his most notorious characters is as Manchester City’s match day mascot, Moonchester. 

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All actors are available for people to meet, obtain autographs and even get a selfie with.

The photo opportunities don’t stop there, as outside and inside the venue, there will lots to keep people’s camera busy.

North East Ghostbusters will be keeping the ghouls away and Bumblebee will transform any photo to a ‘WOW’ image. 

Alexander Vlahos will appear at the event next month. Picture: UNLEASHED EVENTS.

People are also sure to see their favourite superheroes walking around the event, including everyone’s friendly neighbourhood spiderman.

As well as guests and attractions, there will be comic creators, authors and geeky traders with tons of geeky toys, comics, collectables, art, jewellery, gaming and so much more.

People can also enhance their day by attending, dressed as a TV, movie, game or anime character and entering our cosplay masquerade with a chance to win some amazing geeky goodies. 

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Something new for 2022 is our very own ‘Cosplay Championship’. The Championship contest will be open to those who have made at least 70% of their cosplay themselves.

Sharon Hall of Unleashed Events, who has arranged the event, said: “There are so many ways to enjoy Durham Comic-Con from photo opportunities, to cosplaying, or simply purchasing an item to add to your growing collection of pop culture. 

“Whatever you are into, whether it is comics, anime, superheroes or sci-fi or something equally geeky there is a little bit of everything for everyone!  It is great to see kids in awe of meeting their ‘real’ superhero as well as seeing the adults embrace the true nature of comic-con - it is all about escaping reality and having fun!”

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