London Film and Comic Con is a fan convention held annually in London that focuses on films, TV shows, sci-fi, fantasy, video games, anime, manga, cosplay, comic books and other popular media. It is organised by Showmasters Ltd.
History and organization London Film & Comic Con began in 2004 and is organised by Showmasters, the same company that organises the Autographica and Collectormania events. In the past, the convention featured guests that included actors and actresses from popular film franchises and television series, including Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, the Wizarding World, and Heroes, among others.
The convention holds a large dealers hall selling film, TV, comic, sci-fi and fantasy-related memorabilia and original film props, along with guest talks, professional photoshoots, autograph sessions, cosplay events, and displays.
The 2014 LFCC was the venue for the one-and-only presentation of the True Believer Comic Awards, the successor to the long-running Eagle Awards. The inaugural True Believer Comics Awards were presented 12 July 2014,Melrose, Kevin. "True Believers Comic Awards announce 2014 winners," Comic Book Resources (14 July 2014). at the LFCC, with host Anthony Stewart Head and featuring a special appearance by Stan Lee.Freeman, John. "True Believer Awards: The Winners," DownTheTubes.net (13 JULY 2014). They have not been awarded since.
COVID-19 pandemic The 2020 LFCC was originally planned for July 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was initially delayed to November 2020 before being delayed again to July 2021. The LFCC Spring that was due to be held in February 2021 was cancelled. It officially returned in November 2021.
Venue In 2004, London Film & Comic Con was held at the Wembley Exhibition Centre before being moved to Earls Court in 2005. LFCC was hosted at Earls Court every year until 2014, with the exception of 2012, when it was hosted in Olympia due to the London Olympics taking place. In 2015, LFCC made a full-time move to Olympia as Earls Court was demolished.
Show features Cosplay Members of the public are allowed, and in many cases encouraged, to take part in cosplay. Cosplaying has become one of the most popular parts of London Film and Comic Con. This can be to show off the costumer's latest work, to show devotion to their favourite characters or fandoms, or engage in role-play with other cosplayers in the same series, as well as to meet new people with mutual interests.
Guests Guests from popular media are commonly invited to the convention. They take part for a variety of reasons. Often, this is to promote their latest product or production whether it be film, TV or print. Sometimes, it can be to raise awareness and funds for a charity or cause important to them.
Autographs The event also includes an autograph area where high-profile guests from films, TV shows and other works of popular media sign items for the public.
Retro Gaming area LFCC has an area dedicated to retro gaming consoles for the public to play.
Comic Zone This is an LFCC dedicated area for members of the public to meet and engage with comic creators. The Comic Zone also holds specialist talks from comic creators as well as smaller symposiums, designed to act as masterclasses for creators exhibiting in Artists Alley.
In 2023, it was announced that the Comic Zone, usually composed of two sections, Artists Alley and the Guest Area, would be combined under one team, with returning Comic Zone organiser Tony Lee, who ran the zone from 2017-2021, working with a specially picked working group on guest announcements, panels, a symposium series for exhibitors and a new Hall of Fame awards.
Location and dates