With confirmed guests including Katee Sackhoff, Lance Guest, Alan Ruck, Carrie Fisher, James O’Barr, Billy Boyd, Colin Salmon, Arianna Richards, and original Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio, it’s no wonder that you’ll be spending this weekend at Winter London Film and Comic Con (WLFCC). You’ve made the decision to attend but you’re not really sure what to expect. Firstly, congratulations, you are about to enjoy an exceptionally busy weekend full of meeting your idols. Secondly we at THN like to think of ourselves as seasoned pros, and have very kindly decided to help those con-virgins out there by compiling a helpful how-to-survive guide.
First things first – plan ahead! Getting some guest’s autographs at WLFCC can become something of a military operation, so make sure to do your research. Write a list before the event, of all people you want to meet, then prioritise them. Busy guests work on a virtual queue system; you get a ticket number and throughout the day the numbers announced for a particular guest will go up e.g. 1-50, 1-100 and so on. As soon as your number is valid you can join the queue. Don’t worry, your number wont become invalid, once up it will stay up. To ensure you have the lowest number possible head to your guest’s area as soon as you enter, walk don’t run (you’ll get a telling off if you do), and collect your ticket. It’s worth noting that all people wanting to queue for the guest will need one of these tickets, even if they are just there to make sure you don’t say something inappropriate. Once you’ve got your tickets for the bigger guests you can start meeting the non-VQ guests.
Get there early. Yes you may have bought early bird tickets, but believe me, people get there VERY early! Bring a blanket and something to read. Aim to arrive at least an hour or so before the doors open and set up your base camp in the queue.
Wrap up warm As you will be there early you will want to make sure that you stay warm, and more importantly, dry. October is a funny time of the year and the weather has been very changeable lately. Double-check the weather forecast before you leave the house, but I’d advise you still prepare for all the elements – sun, rain, snow…sharknado?
Don’t forget your entry tickets! Seems like a no-brainer, but remember you’re going to need to be up early and you’ll be excited. My advice – pack the night before when you’re slightly calmer.
Make sure your camera etc. is charged. Depending on how busy they are, some guests may be up for an over-the-table photo (if they aren’t they’ll have a sign posted up behind them). You really don’t want to miss out on that photo of you and Princess Leia just because you forgot to charge your picture-taking device.
Bring money. This will be an expensive weekend. Not just with photo shoots and autographs, but the stalls will also sap your cash. The event will house merchandise of every kind, whatever your niche it’ll almost certainly have a stand. Yes the venue has a cash machine, but the queue for it will be longer than the entry line if past experience is anything to go by. Our favourite stall? A small stand which sells various sculptured models, including life-size gremlins – who doesn’t want their own gremlin?
Enjoy the cosplay. Think that the Americans are the only ones capable of creating a decent home-made costume? Prepare to have your mind blown, for wandering around the halls will be fellow fans dressed up as every character you can imagine. Most are more than happy to pose for a photo, just remember to ask first. Take a sneaky peak at the video below to get an idea of the standard you will be seeing.
Meet ‘The Mountain’ – Game of Thrones’ actor Hafþór Július Björnsson, aka The Mountain, will be signing and you know you want to see just how intimidating his is in the flesh.
Take in a talk – Throughout the weekend a series of talks will take place on various stages. Usually most of these talks cost money, but this time around they are free. That’s right, free. For a full listing of what talk is happening when click here.
Take that Christmas card picture – As well as all the guests, stalls and talks, the event also gives you the opportunity to have your picture taken alongside some great pieces of memorabilia. This time around you can get your picture taken with Gollum, on Indiana Jones side-car or atop the Iron Throne.
Stay hydrated– with the likes of Carrie Fisher in attendance it is going to be a BUSY con. A busy con equates to a warm hall, and a warm hall leads to dehydration which leads to you missing your chance to chat LOTR with Billy Boyd due to you passing out. Avoid this disappointment by carrying water everywhere you go.
And most importantly HAVE FUN!
For more information check out the Winter London Film and Comic Con website.
