Well, it was time for the annual trip to the Folkestone Film TV & Comic convention today, which returned to its former venue of the Leas Cliff Hall. The place was packed, a testimony to all the hard work put in by the organisers but after about an hour in the incredibly hot venue it felt like time to get some fresh air.
The main hall was used for exhibitors with the Channel Suite below used for the actors who were signing autographs - as can be seen in the photographs below - taken just before it started to get busy.
Arguably the main draw this year was Dave Prowse (the man in the Darth Vader suit... but not the voice!). But there were a couple of actors from Red Dwarf attracting big queues, and two from Blake's 7 (Sally Knyvette and Jan Chappell) - sadly Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan from Blake's 7) who had been due to attend had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances Also in attendance were a plethora of minor characters from the Star Wars franchise that are too numerous to go into here.
As more of a Doctor Who fan, sadly there was only Sophie Aldred (Ace) in attendance signing autographs - and I'd already got her autograph from a London event four years previously.
It was great to see too some of the fan created models and costumed fans. The Wookies were a popular draw for those wanting their photos taken with them, and there was a collector of Dr Who props and costumes who has built up quite a collection over the years and donates his appearance fee to charity.
So overall a good day out - perhaps not quite as enjoyable for me as previous years, but only due to the lack of Doctor Who representation amongst the guests compared to previous years. Let's hope that next year's event is just as successful when it returns to the Leas Cliff Hall, but over two days - which should also hopefully alleviate some of the overcrowding.
Sunday 7th May 2017
