A bit like bonus tracks when you buy a CD, here are a few unseen extra pics from my recent visit to Sci-Fi Weekender.
Plus, it’s Star Wars Day – and a few of these photos count as a tribute. May the 4th Be With You!
Sci-Fi Weekender 28th – 30th March 2014
Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli
Day Two – and Adam, Greeny, Kurt and myself were up bright and early to see what the day would bring. LIE. We had a lie in, went to get s cooked breakfast, got some supplies at the Spar, and chilled out in the chalet for a while. We decided to wander down to see what was going just a little after the action began at midday. Although impressed with what we’d witnessed so far, we still didn’t know what to expect.
Exploring the set up, we soon found the events and had a good look around the merchandise area. I picked up a couple of cool items – a Star Wars figure I needed and a Countess Dracula t-shirt. I could’ve spent a fortune if I’d had the money. There was quite a buzz as fans scouted around for bargains and highly desirable paraphernalia.
There were numerous discussion panels, interviews and signings through out the afternoon. Luckily I caught a very interesting talk with 2000AD creator Pat Mills, refreshingly anti-authoritarian even after all these years. There was quite a 2000AD presence, with some of my favourite artists of all time – Glenn Fabry and Simon Bisley – in attendance. Somebody really should make a film version of Slaine…
I also caught a very entertaining chat with The Hobbit actor Graham McTavish. Although I’ve yet to see the film(s), his interview was still engaging; with many captivating stories from behind the scenes.
Of course, the main attraction for me (except for beer) was taking photos of all the various fans who’d taken the time and trouble to dress up as their favourite characters. There were some amazing costumes, as shown here and in the previous post. Again, fans were more than happy to pose for photos. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming with no bad vibes on display anywhere.
The highlight of the evening was the Cosplay final – those who entered the competition were judged on the best costume. I forget who won, but the talent and care on display was highly commendable – as you can see from the photos.
There were several Cosplayers I either missed getting a photo of, or the pic turned out rubbish. My apologies – again, I’m not a professional. It is with great shame that I cannot present for you here Jar Jar Green Screen, General Zod, the Beast and sexy Six of Nine silver Star Trek girl. Sorry. But I think Silk Spectre (below) makes up for that.
Another late night ended with the “legendary” Pat Sharp spinning the wax for a packed dance floor. All in all, a great day with a real sense of community.
Finally, I must thank Glyn again for providing not only tickets but our accommodation. I hope these reports give you some idea of how the event was. Cheers!
Visit the Sci-Fi Weekender site here.
Sci-Fi Weekender 28th – 30th March 2014
Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli
I’ve been to a few all day events, such as Memorabilia at Birmingham NEC , but nothing like this. The Sci-Fi Weekender is basically a convention over several days, held at a holiday park in North Wales. There are guest speakers, merchandise, film showings and entertainment – all in one location.
My friend Glyn had won tickets for the event, but sadly was unable to go. So he donated the tickets – and accommodation – to yours truly. A total gent. My comrades Adam, Greeny, and Kurt – plus Platinum Al – thus made the trip to check out what was going on.
This is part one of the adventure.
Our party left late on the Friday, due to work commitments. With additional traffic problems on the A Double 5, when we arrived it was already dark. No matter – the four of us found our chalet, dumped the luggage and went exploring.
Festivities were already well under way. There was plenty of beer available, and many merry (though friendly) sci-fi types in various states of refreshment. Several were dressed as characters from film, TV, books and comics; presenting a fantastic menagerie of fantasy figures.
Entertainment on the first night began for me with Professor Elemental. The Professor is a purveyor of fine steampunk rap, apparently known as “chap-hop”. Wearing pith helmet and rapping about tea and the British Empire, I found his act captivating and funny in equal measure. Weaving funky beats out of old brass band music is no mean feat but the Prof raised the roof. Catch him if you can, I promise a night you won’t forget!
Next up were Darth Elvis and the Imperials. Yes, a Star Wars themed Elvis tribute act. What more could anyone want? Sheer magic. Their songs consisted of Star Wars re-workings of Elvis hits, plus a groovy rendition of that Rebo Band classic, Lapti Nek. Now there’s a song I never thought I’d ever hear played live. The spectacle of numerous Star Wars characters rocking out together on stage was something to behold. This band should be intergalactic!
That was about it for us, as we headed off to get some rest for Day 2. Attica Rage played us out; would’ve loved to stay but we were wrecked.
Gordons Alive!
You’ll see many pictures here of those who attended, wearing all sorts of wonderful costumes. The hard work and imagination that went into these outfits is really exceptional. Plus, everyone was really happy to have their photo taken; there was a great fun atmosphere at the event. I’ll post more photos in the next instalment. Please remember however – I am not a professional photographer! The lighting was not always very good and everything was always a bit rushed….
Part 2 soon!
Visit the Sci-Fi Weekender website here.
Some of you have heard the story before, for which I apologise. For those that haven’t, the details are below. Strange, the twists and turns we experience.
The email below was written some years ago, after the events of 9/11. You’ll understand why I wrote it, I hope. As far as I know, this letter has never been printed. If you’d like to share it, please feel free to do so. It may eventually find it’s way to it’s intended recipient.
With continued respect and affection for New City and the people who live there.
From:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
To: <letters@nypost.com>
Sent: 24 August 2004 21.18
Subject: IMPORTANT: Message from UK
Hi,
I live in North Wales, in the United Kingdom. I am writing to you in the hope that you could perhaps print a message to a citizen of New York city in your newspaper.
In September 2001 I was staying with relatives in the Washington DC area, on vacation, and decided to take a trip on the Greyhound bus to New York. I had always wanted to visit the city having seen it on television and read about it over the years. So two friends and myself decided to make the trip.
When we arrived we explored, and that evening went out to eat and see some more sights. Around 10.30pm we left the Broomhill bar (I think in Little Italy?) with the intention of going across the river on the Staten Island ferry. The taxi driver who drove us was a great character, friendly and a real New Yorker. He asked us what our plans were, to which we replied, “We’re going to go up the Empire State Building tomorrow.”
The driver pointed out the window, and gave us some honest advice: “See that building there?” he asked. We nodded. “That’s the Twin Towers. Go there tomorrow morning; it’s free, you don’t have to wait, and it’s higher up so you get a better view.” We thanked him and said we’d take his advice.
The next day, as you can probably guess, was September 11th.
My companions and I never made it to the top of the towers (we stayed out late and didn’t get up that morning early enough). We were lucky, as the horror that unfolded that day proved.
I just want to let that taxi driver know – we didn’t go to the Towers that morning. Just in case he is tortured by the advice he gave us. I don’t know the taxi drivers name, just that he drove a yellow cab and was a native New Yorker (his father, he told us, had worked on the Staten Island ferry). I hope that you can print this letter in the hope that he may read it, so his mind may be eased if this has troubled him. Because if he has been troubled, he need not worry anymore. I’m sorry this letter hasn’t been written sooner.
With fondest regards to the people and city of New York,
Alun Jones
Wales
UK
(Email address removed for privacy)
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 