Steel city Sheffield shapeshifted into a science-fiction central station for starship troopers, time travellers, fantasy fans, droids and more who descended on the Yorkshire city to wallow in the weird and wonderful for a warp-speed weekend away from their day-to-day lives. The inaugural Sci-Fi In The City weekender proved to be a cosmic success with a glut of attractions, guest stars, shows, competitions and displays for visitors who simply couldn’t get enough of what was on offer at the event staged inside the 02 Academy in Arundel Gate.
As with its long-running parent event, the annual Sci Fi Weekender – which is held in North Wales – Area 51 was at the epicentre of organising and helping to co-ordinate the busy programme of entertainment and events.
51’s Adam Colclough compered the weekend in his guise of Jimcredible and the company once again handled the Imaginarium.
And among the guests were former Doctor Who star Sylvester McCoy and actor James Cosmo from Game Of Thrones, Braveheart, Trainspotting, The Chronicles Of Narnia, Wonder Woman, Sons Of Anarchy, Ben Hur, Highlander and many others.
Julian Glover, the much-respected actor who has appeared in The Empire Strikes Back, For Your Eyes Only, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and Harry Potter was also a name attracti0on at the event. Ayshea Brough from TV series U.F.O. and Paul Kasey, famous for his work with the Cybermen characters and Torchwood, were also on the bill.
Jedi training, robot and drone battling contests, the pop-up puppet theatre, a cosplay competition, karaoke and a live performance by Darth Elvis and The Imperials were also a big draw. James Wilson’s magic show was also very popular while DJ Level Up Leroy kept the whole weekend ticking along brilliantly.
The result was declared as an overwhelming success.
