VIDEO & PICTURES: Bakewell sci-fi event out of this world

Hundreds descended on Bakewell Agricultural Centre on Monday for the town’s first ever comic-con.
Comic-con Bakewell.
Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.Comic-con Bakewell.
Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.
Comic-con Bakewell. Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.

Sci-fi fans immersed themselves among a range of cosplay characters, special guests and an eclectic mix of stalls showcasing collectibles, artwork and comics.

The event was organised by Steve Howard, a toys and collectibles business owner and comic-con veteran from New Mills.

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Steve hopes to hold the event at least bi-annually, saying “I want to bring comic-con to areas that the big events won’t go to. With smaller venues we can take a more fan-based approach. It’s about getting the right mix of stalls and the right guests, who will really spend time with fans.”

Comic-con Bakewell.
Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.Comic-con Bakewell.
Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.
Comic-con Bakewell. Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Who characters at Comic-con in the Agricultural Centre in Bakewell on Monday.

Among the guests was Derbyshire man Phil Martin, whose acting credits include Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Brian Singer’s Jack the Giant Slayer. Phil, who is new to the comic-con scene, said: “There’s been a good turnout today. Comic con used to be just for the geeky guys, but it’s become a much more family-friendly affair.”

Also present was Spencer Wilding, noted for playing a White Walker in the first series of Game of Thrones and the werewolf in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Spencer said he prefers smaller shows to the bigger events on the calendar - which can draw tens of thousands - as they allow him to spend more time speaking to fans.

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With a career spanning 13 years, Spencer has appeared in many more huge productions, including Jupiter Ascending, Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Batman Begins.

He added: “It’s great to see this type of thing getting more accepted. People are excited to come out in cosplay now, and its adorable seeing all the kids dressed as their favourite characters too.”