Big Glasgow Comic Page (BGCP) brought its travelling Comic Convention (ComiCon) to Inverness for the first time ever, setting up at Inverness Leisure on Saturday 29th July from 10am to 4pm.
The event has proved popular in its run up, with all workshop tickets selling out in advance for: Jurassic Class, Slime Making and Hero Mask Making.
Thousands of online tickets for entry were sold out within a matter of weeks of announcing the date, and attendees formed large queues outside the door on the day.
It is estimated that there were double the online sales in attendance throughout the popular event, entering at the door on the day for as little as £1 with all accompanying children under 5 years old welcomed in free-of-charge.
Ian Bonar or BGCP said: “The Inverness debut was a great day. The team was positively overwhelmed by the overall attendance, estimated to be up to 4,000 total.
“Due to the success of the day, BGCP ComiCon looks to return to Inverness Leisure again in 2024. I’m really excited to see this event bring joy to members of the local community.”
Included in the busy space were over 60 traders and artists selling merch from Marvel, DC, Pokémon, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and everything in-between.
Attendees also got the opportunity to take free pictures with movie props, statues, and of course the chance to meet all their favourite heroes and villains.
There were also a plethora of arcade machines and consoles to get play games on, and a ‘Cosplay Competition’ which quickly had its 100 RSVP spots filled by eager fans.
Steven Clelland, High Life Highland’s Leisure Manager at Inverness Leisure, added: “For a debut event to draw this kind of public attention is such a rewarding feeling.
“We had anticipated the 2,000 online sales to reflect the overall attendance on the day, but just as many showed up to buy tickets at the door.
“ComiCon was so well attended that it has ended up becoming one of Inverness Leisure’s biggest this year!
“It was phenomenal to see the space brought to life in the hustle and bustle of ComiCon, with members of the public engaging with characters and idols from across various comic universes. I was particularly impressed by the costumes on display.
“High Life Highland are honoured by the positive feedback received about ComiCon and are excited that BGCP will be making a return to Inverness Leisure next year.”
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, concluded: “Given the success of ComiCon’s first ever visit to Inverness Leisure, High Life Highland look forward to welcoming BGCP back on an annual basis.”
BGCP will be taking their travelling ComiCon elsewhere in Scotland throughout 2023, with further locations including: Renfrew, East Kilbride, Oban, Galashiels, Dundee, Dumfries, and more to be announced.
