Event - OPTIMUS Convention In Torquay

The first OPTIMUS convention hits the English Riviera next weekend with some top guests. Here are all the details...

OPTIMUS: South West Film and TV Convention is bringing together a whole galaxy of stars from Hollywood blockbusters, cult films and TV programmes to the seaside on 1st and 2nd August for an exciting new convention at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre.

· GHOSTBUSTERS CELEBRATION WITH ERNIE HUDSON

· THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK WITH BOBA FETT, JEREMY BULLOCH

· COLIN BAKER HEADS UP GUESTS FROM DOCTOR WHO

· CHRIS BARRIE AND NORMAN LOVETT FROM RED DWARF

· SPECIAL WORKSHOP FROM AARDMAN ANIMATION

· JEDI FIGHT ACADEMY: TRANING WITH ANDREW LAWDEN

· STARS FROM HARRY POTTER, MAD MAX and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

The weekend event is organised by A & R Events and Promotions giving fans a chance to celebrate their favourite shows and movies with autograph and photo opportunities, practical demonstrations, cosplay competitions as well as film memorabilia and merchandise from a wide range of exhibitors.

The international line-up of guests includes stars from GHOSTBUSTERS Ernie Hudson and Mark Bryan Wilson, GHOSTBUSTERS 2’s Robin Shelby and SFX wizard Billy Bryan (GHOSTBUSTERS, JURASSIC PARK III) who are joined by Boba Fett himself, Jeremy Bulloch (STAR WARS V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK), Chris Bunn (STAR WARS IV: A NEW HOPE) and Peter Roy (STAR WARS VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI), Virginia Hey (MAD MAX 2 and TV’s FARSCAPE), Paul Warren (HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS pt 1, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY), along with Julian Seager (THOR: THE DARK WORLD, TV’s BEING HUMAN) and Oliver Robins (POLTERGEIST(1986) and POLTERGEIST II: THE OTHER SIDE).

Stars from popular TV series that are appearing include Colin Baker, the Sixth Doctor who is materialising along with other DOCTOR WHO actors Ian McNeice, Simon Fisher-Becker, and Matthew Dale; RED DWARF’s Chris Barrie and Norman Lovett; and a trio of actors from GAME OF THRONES - George Georgiou and Ross Mullan.

Extreme martial arts action is provided by local celebrities The Edmund Sistas whilst fans of comics can also meet John-Paul Bove, Lee Bradley and Jess Bradley.

Claire Bueno, BAFTA and Apple Store host and Premiere Scene presenter, will be conducting onstage Q&As with all the guests. Talks and workshops aimed at being fun for all the family include animators from AARDMAN ANIMATION who are giving fans a chance to build their very own Shaun the Sheep! For those wanting to take on the Imperial stormtroopers, Andrew Lawden is holding his renowned Jedi Fight Academy which is always popular with children. There is also a cosplay competition with a cash prize of £50 for the winning costume on each day.

The convention is the brainchild of two film professionals, Anthony Bueno and Russell Palmer who intend to make this an annual event for Torquay which offers an ideal coastal location and an additional fantastical summer attraction. It is easily accessible by road with good rail and coach links just a short walk from the venue, Come and join a weekend of sun, sea and sci-fi!

Admission prices

Saturday - Adults - £10, children - £6 , Under 5s – free

Sunday - Adults - £10, children - £6 , Under 5s – free

Family Pass (2 x Adults, 2 x Children) - £26

Venue: Riviera International Centre, Torquay TQ2 5LZ

Please keep checking the website and social media for updates via the links below;

Website: www.optimusconvention.com

General public enquiries: info@optimusconvetion.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/optimusconvention

Twitter: @OPTIMUS_Torquay #OptimusCon

Image - OPTIMUS.