Wales Comic Con announces move to Telford
The popular Wales Comic Con is moving over the border to Shropshire.
The event, usually held at Wrexham Glyndwr University, is switching to England due to demand from fans for a larger venue, organisers have said.
Having celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, the sci-fi and popular culture event will now take place at Telford's International Centre from December 7 to 8.
"More details will of course follow, so make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media," the statement continued.
"As soon as we have further announcements, we'll be sure to let you know.
"Please note that this will replace the normal winter Wales Comic Con, but not to worry. We'll be working with the same awesome team, so you can still expect everything that you've come to love about WCC, but bigger, better and more indoors than ever.
"So it's hwyl fawr for now, Wales (we'll see you soon!) and here we come, Telford."
The likes of Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill's Michael Madsen, Hollywood star Kiefer Sutherland, former Doctor Who David Tenant, Jurassic Park's Sam Neill, and Sons of Anarchy's Ron Perlman met fans during the two-day convention last month.
Guests already confirmed for Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover include Gotham's Donal Logue and Buffy The Vampire Slayer's James Marsters.
Reaction to the news online has been mixed, with some fans applauding the move and others complaining that the event now ought to be renamed.
One person said: "Maybe now’s the time to rebrand and not be called Wales Comic Con anymore, even if it’s simply so that you’re not part of the ongoing problem that results in the constant geographical dismissal of Wales. Just a thought..."
"This is not good news for Wales. This has a massive following. You cannot really call it Wales comic con if its held in England? Surely a Welsh venue can be found?" another posted.
Another fan disagreed, saying: "People whinging about @walescomiccon being moved, how about you organise your own and see how well you f****** do."
While another added: "Excited about the news, though I may have rushed into booking the hotel already if the venue has changed lol."
Responding to the news that Wales Comic Con will relocate to England, Delyth Jewell AM and Plaid Cymru shadow minister for culture and the future said: “This will be a huge loss to Wrexham and the north east of Wales.
"Wales Comic Con is an iconic and incredibly popular event which draws crowds of thousands to Wrexham and around £1 million for the local economy every year.
"That Wales Comic Con is now re-locating to Telford in England makes a mockery of us.
“This is a direct result of a clear lack of ambition and investment in infrastructure and cultural hubs and facilities in the north of our nation. The Labour Welsh Government have a lot to answer for.
“Plaid Cymru would legislate to make sure that every part of Wales got a fair share of capital funding. We will commit to investing in infrastructure across the north east.
"We would look to developing bigger and better cultural facilities in cities such as Wrexham to attract similar events in the future. A Plaid Cymru government would also offer external support to organisation such as Wales Comic Con to ensure that they always have a permanent home here.
“I now call on the Welsh Government to intervene and make representations to the organisers of Comic Con. It is not too late to find a solution and relocate Wales Comic Con back home to Wales."
Plaid Cymru Councillor Carrie Harper added: “This is more than disappointing - it's a disgrace.
"The Welsh Government and Wrexham Council should reflect on this failure. Where is the ambition to make Wrexham the capital of north Wales? Where is the vision to build on these sort of unique events?
"Contrast this with the support given by the Welsh Government for a project in Newport.
"The International Convention Centre near the Celtic Manor is 50:50 partnership with the Welsh Government, which pumped £42m into the build.
"On top of that it has provided £2m in grants and loans to improve a nearby hotel. On top of that it has provided £2m in grants and loans to improve a nearby hotel.
"Show me a similar investment by the Welsh Government in the capital of the North."
