Great Yarmouth Comic Con 2022

I'll confess I'm not really into films or TV shows (unless it's Hollyoaks #gultypleasure) and definitely not interested in video games. I had a few years of being quite keen on comic books but that's about it so attending a Comic Con was a strange choice but I was really excited for this. It was something different to photograph and a totally new experience that would get me out of my comfort and force me to talk to random strangers.

I was also keen to attend because Great Yarmouth gets a lot of bad press for being poor and run down so it's nice to promote and embrace the positive things the town plays host to.

On arrival at the racecourse entry was quite unclear. I ended up following some people who I assumed knew where they were going in only to find out when enquiring where to get my press pass from that I'd sneaked in a side entrance and had I been a paying guest would have got in for free! I really recommend better signage from all directions next year.

After finding the main entrance and getting my pass I had a mooch and got my bearings. It was a fairly small but neat, well laid out event with various tents playing host to different cosplayers. This included Star Wars, Disney Princesses (who all the little girls beamed at when they saw), Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and various others I was unfamiliar with. Everyone was queuing politely for their turn to have a photo with their favourite characters. There were also two cars, The Joker and Lightning McQueen from Cars which people seemed to be enjoying.

In the indoor section there were more cosplay characters along with replica movie props and various stalls selling superhero themed cupcakes as well as Funko Pops and other merch from films, TV shows and video games.

The event was also playing host to a variety of celebs including Christopher Biggins and Colin Baker who guests could pay an additional fee to have their photo taken with.

In a different outdoor section there was a wrestling ring which had an array pf activities throughout the day.

After my initial investigation I had the sudden feeling of dread that I had to talk to people and ask to take their photo. I spent some time talking about cameras and gig photography with the event's official photographer. Then I just had to go for it. I walked up to some people and asked to take their photo. They were all smiles and positivity and from that point any nerves went and I'd have happily talked to anyone!

I expected people attending to be dressed up but some of the costumes were amazing, people had clearly gone to a lot of effort. There were a few that begged the question "how on earth are they going to go to the toilet?"

I spent ages milling around chatting to people, clueless over who all the characters were but buzzing at the fun I was having. Something about having a camera and a press pass makes me feel invincible, it's a real thrill!

The only downside to the event for me was the lack of vegetarian food, to be honest there wasn't any! It's the same complaint I had with Neck of the Woods Festival the week before, with vegetarianism and veganism on the rise events really do need to cater for everyone when sourcing food venders for these events.

After realising I wasn't going to eat I decided to go and watch a bit of the wrestling. I've never watched any live wrestling before although I did get quite into WWE a few years ago so it was good fun to see it in the flesh. It was cool to shoot too. The ladies in the ring were getting really into character and the crowd played along with the good guy, bad guy routine with enthusiasm! It made me think I might go and watch some wrestling in the future as it's definitely entertaining.

After a few more photos, a few more conversations and with a very empty stomach I could see the crowd was starting to thin out so I decided it was time to head for home.

The event in its third year was held on both Saturday and Sunday. I was lucky enough to attend on Saturday when it was cold but dry. I hope the rain didn't spoil the day too much for all the Sunday attendees!

Overall, it was a great event that was well planned out with lots of variety and fun stuff going on. I highly recommend it!