Cosplay and celebs wow crowds at Barnstaple comic con
A first-time comic con and gaming festival in North Devon has proved a hit with fans of sci-fi, cosplay and retro gaming — and organisers have already confirmed it will return next year.The UK Comic and Gaming Festival (UKCGF) brought its touring convention to Barnstaple for the first time this September, where visitors turned out in full force to enjoy a packed schedule of gaming, shopping, props and celebrity appearances.Costumed cosplayers gathered for a large meet-up and later competed in a cosplay competition, while others got hands-on with everything from virtual reality to retro consoles.Organisers confirmed the event will return to Barnstaple in April 2026. But before that, they are preparing for what they describe as their “biggest event to date” — a two-day festival at Westpoint Exeter on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12.The Exeter event will feature a range of film cars, props, gaming zones, outdoor displays, and shopping stalls. Fans of Doctor Who are in for a treat with appearances from two former Time Lords — Paul McGann on the Saturday, and Colin Baker across the weekend.Tickets for the Exeter festival are available from Eventbrite, and more information can be found via UKCGF’s social media channels (@ukcgf) or online at www.ukcgf.com.
