Swindon comic con attracts Star Wars and Dr Who fans to Swindon

Visitors witnessed the unusual sights of Darth Vader swinging his lightsaber near a steam train and Ghostbusters equipment on display alongside Victorian exhibitions as the Stars of Time event returned to the Steam Museum on Saturday.

Many guests dressed up for the occasion in impressive costumes from different film, TV, and animation series. 

Stormtroopers from Star Wars greet Stars of Time Comic Con guests (Image: Dave Cox)

The Joker, Batman, and Harley Quinn admired the Tumbler and Batpod vehicles, young Spider-Men stopped in their tracks to say hello to each other, Star Wars droids moved out of the way of passing Daleks, and Sonic the Hedgehog characters posed in an Indiana Jones minecart.

Ash Dando and Simon Conway travelled from Bristol to the event as Sonic and Doctor Robotnik, respectively.

Ash said: "I usually have a table at conventions with Home Words Heroes Comics but decided to take a little break to just look around and have a fun day out.

"It's nice to see such a diverse range of characters, it's really cool. We've done lots of conventions but this one is unique because you can also look around the railway exhibits and learn about these amazing machines.

"We'll definitely come back next year."

Ash Dando and Simon Conway as Sonic the Hedgehog and Doctor Robotnik at (Image: Newsquest)

Simon added: "It's been a lot of fun, I've really enjoyed coming here.

"I usually go to meet Doctor Who celebrities, so when I heard about this event, I had to come down and see them."

Darth Vader's lightsaber training at Swindon's Stars of Time Comic Con (Image: Dave Cox)

Children and adults alike had big grins on their faces as they posed for photos with costumed heroes and villains, met sci-fi stars David Bradley, Katy Manning, Christopher Ryan, and Hugh Spight - as well as Swindon-born supporting actor Nathan Peglar - and browsed the wares of artists Ben Krefta, David Cousens, and Ellstrations.

The main hall was full of activities, artist's stalls, and meet-and-greets (Image: Dave Cox)

Sam Merritt brought her four-year-old son Thomas, mum Dawn, sister Rachel, daughter Ella, and partner Nathan along to the event.

She said: "This was our first time here and we loved it. We're big fans of Doctor Who, Marvel, Star Wars, all of that.

"The cosplay is great.

Dawn added: "It's absolutely amazing. I've been gawping at all the different outfits."

Guests could pose with Star Wars characters at the Swindon Comic Con (Image: Dave Cox)

Thomas enjoyed the gaming section and went home with bags full of Transformers toys.

The convention featured prop displays, cosplay competitions, lightsaber training sessions, virtual reality experiences, collectibles, and areas themed around Star Wars, Doctor Who, Batman, and Indiana Jones.

Guests often dressed up in cosplay costumes (Image: Dave Cox)

New College hosted make-up exhibits in part of the main hall at Steam (Image: Dave Cox)

Steam trains and sci-fi characters, all in one place (Image: Newsquest)