Doctor Who and Red Dwarf actors star at Carlisle Comic Con

Organiser Neil Livesey, of Wonky Rocket Events, suggested in 2023 that Carlisle's Comic Con was now their flagship event following several years of success. 

And Saturday proved to be another huge hit, with more than 1000 turning up to Richard Rose Central Academy, with many attendees dressed up as their favourite character from sci-fi films, shows and franchises. 

Chris Barrie's doppelgänger even showed up to meet him in the flesh (Image: Barry Henderson Photography)

They were joined by special guests from multiple universes, with Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf, and former Doctor Who companion Sophie Aldred proving particularly popular in terms of photoshoots and autographs.

Neil said: "It was the best turnout we've had in Carlisle. As it stands, Carlisle is definitely our flagship show. It went really, really well. The cosplay was probably the best I've ever seen at any of our shows. Cumbria seems to be a big cosplay area and all the people who came in cosplay and entered the competition were tremendous."

Star Wars was a common theme at the Comic Con (Image: Barry Henderson Photography)

Judges had to pick between a best child cosplayer and best adult cosplayer for the overall winner, and it was a young girl dressed as Coraline, from the stop-motion animated dark fantasy horror film, who took home the £100 prize. 

Deadpool and Spider-Man (Image: Barry Henderson Photography)

Such is the popularity of the show, that Neil is seriously considering bringing it back in Autumn. 

He added: "There are no solid plans yet, we are testing the waters to see what the fans think. Obviously we have other shows in other parts of the north west, but we certainly think that Carlisle could stand up to two shows a year, without diluting it. We have to be certain that people will want to do two a year and can afford it."

Carl Fredricksen from Up was a great cosplay outfit (Image: Barry Henderson Photography)

A huge amount of effort went into organising the show, with notable actors from Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Star Wars and more in attendance, while comic book artists were also popular guests.

Neil concluded: "We'd like to thank everyone that bought a ticket, as well as all the guests and all the volunteers that help to bring this event together."