Rochdale is my hometown and last year they did something I never thought I would see, they held a sci-fi convention. The two day event proved to be a success and this years event is set to be even bigger.
The event is free and plays host to a number of special guests including Danny John-Jules (The Cat from Red Dwarf), Pam Rose (Star Wars, Space:1999), Alan Flyng, (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), Ken Coombs (Return of the Jedi, Superman IV), Brian Wheeler (Return of the Jedi, The Never Ending Story) and Ron Hone (SFX technician for films such as Star Wars & The Princess Bride) and more. These lovely people will of course be happy to answer questions and you can bag their autographs for a price.
As well as the stars of the silver screen there will also be an abundance of other attractions including the UK Ghostbusters, Manchester Starfleet, the 99th Garrison (largest UK Independant Star Wars costuming group) and your friendly neighbourhood SWAT team – all of which are happy to pose for photos. Sunday includes a the above plus a range of muscle cars including a Bumble Bee Camaro and a very special guest. Don’t worry if you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you like toys and comics there will be a couple of stalls where you can buy such goods.
Dale-Con is growing, still only in it’s second year, Martin Ballard (Wheatsheaf Manager) promises this event is twice as big as last years. So if you are looking for something to do this weekend and love all things sci-fi and geek head over to Rochdale for this free event. I’ll definitely be there and feel free to say hi, I’m the girl with the short purple hair.
The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JZ. 11am – 4pm Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February.
