LonCon 3: The 72nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)

LonCon 3 is the 72^nd World Science Fiction Convention which brings Worldcon to London. Dates of the event were between Thursday 14^th to Monday 18^th August 2014 and was held in the Excel Centre.

Some round-ups of LonCon3:

• The opening ceremony was held on Thursday 14^th August 2014 at 12:00 with the closing ceremony on Monday 18^th August 2014 at 15:00.
• Each member was given a programme and Worldcon Souvenir Book with attendees receiving an additional badge.
• The Retro Hugo Award winners were announced on Thursday 14th August 2014 to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the first Worldcon.
• The Hugo Award was held on Saturday 17^th August 2014 at 20:00.
• Guests of Honour for this year were Iain M Banks, John Clute, Malcolm Edwards, Chris Foss, Jane Gomoll, Robin Hobb and Bryan Talbot.
• In the Exhibit Hall, there were the Art Show (showcasing SF art works on display), Dealers’ Zone (stall sellers of SF novels, comic books and merchandising) and the Displays area (different organisation displays ranging from charities to fan websites).
• The Capital Hall had the Fan Village/Hospitality Hall where you can find other Worldcon bids, board games tent and an opportunity to find out about many other clubs and societies.

There was plenty of opportunity to look around and stallholders were friendly and approachable. I began my crusade to look out for any She-Hulk but only managed to get an issue of The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (Master Edition) #6 with She-Hulk smack down in the middle of the front cover. The stallholder was nice enough to go look for any other She-Hulk loot he may have in his car but sadly came out with nothing. Continuing from the Hulk family, I also found Hulk: Gray by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale which was an excellent find.

Before the event, I volunteered to help out with the general setting up. Volunteers were called in to start helping out on the 11^th August and I volunteered from 12^th August to 13^th August. A lot of work goes in which was expected and it was a great opportunity to meet people from all around the world who have a pair of hands to lend. It was fun to meet people from such different backgrounds who have one universal interest in science fiction. It’s like an exclusive behind-the-scenes with what goes into running an event which an experience that I will take away was.

Just like any geek convention, LonCon3 had the whole lot: art and literature, film and music, gaming, comics. They held film screenings, talks and Q & As in various rooms and halls in the Excel. You can find out more about LonCon3 on their website.

#LonCon3 #WorldCon