Family Fun at Daventry Comic Con

Organiser Zoe Crofts (R) and Lucy Watts (L). Photo by Ann Evans.

There was a friendly, family feeling at the Daventry Comic Con organised by Bolt Events on Saturday 9 November at Daventry Leisure Centre – which is exactly how founder Zoe Crofts likes it.

During Covid times, when Zoe was made redundant from her HR job in the music industry and she got the idea of running Comic Con events, her primary aim was to run shows where everyone was welcome.

A chance to dress up. Photo by Ann Evans.

“Having an autistic child, I was always the parent with a kid that needed to leave. So, I wanted to run events where there was somewhere to take a child if they were having a melt-down, so they could calm down, and wouldn’t be made to feel unwelcome. I wanted to create somewhere where parents could come with their children and have a bit of fun.

“Bolt events are very family orientated. My 100-year-old grandmother comes along, my own family are involved, and we’ve made lots of friends and supporters along the way who have become regular exhibitors and helpers – as well as good friends.”

Author Matt Gantry promoting his book, The Gamer. Photo by Ann Evans.

Zoe runs her Comic Con shows at venues all around the Midlands, usually every other weekend. As well as their regular supporters, there are always local exhibitors, Cosplay enthusiasts and of course visitors who make sure each event is a huge success.

At the Daventry event, which happily had free parking right next to it, we were greeted at the entrance by two iconic motors – the Bumblebee Transformer’s car, plus the ever-popular Lightning McQueen car which certainly attracted attention. Once through the doors – which incidentally offers early admittance to anyone whose child might benefit from a quieter and calmer introduction to the show. Simply let the organisers know by emailing beforehand, and early admittance is assured, which was a really nice touch.

Transformer's Bumblebee car. Photo by Ann Evans.

Once inside, you were met with a gigantic Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, Gremlins, E.T. and other well- known characters to have selfies with. Plus, lots of visitors were into Cosplay mode and dressed for the occasion, not least Spiderman and Batman.

Amid her team of helpers, Lucy Watts is the Cosplay judge. The Cosplay Competitions are run for fun rather than being fiercely competitive. “Everybody gets a prize for making the effort,” said Lucy. “It doesn’t matter if they’re in a shop bought costume, made it themselves or it’s just a child wearing a cowboy hat.  For them it’s a big deal. They’ve made the effort, they are having fun, and that’s what counts.”

Batman! Photo by Ann Evans.

Along with around 100 trade stands there were plenty of free activities, such as a Retro Game Zone; also Face Painting and Glitter Art by Fizz Pop; green screen photo opportunities for selfies; and table-top games and art - this zone was put on by Zoe Collins of Zepic Board Games and Events Café in Sheaf Street, Daventry.

Zoe said, “This event is very family orientated, so we’ve set up this area so that children can play freely. Our Board Games Café in Daventry welcomes children and adults, and we’re open six days a week (11am-10pm, Sundays 12-6pm), we’re closed Thursdays.”

Kids have fun at the Zepic Board Games zone. Photo by Ann Evans.

There was a great variety of exhibitor’s stands offering everything from TV and film collectables, figures, masks, replica swords, handmade crafts, high end comics, Funko Pops, trading cards, Lego, T-shirts, hats, original artwork and more. There were also a number of authors were there with their books such as Matt Gantry and his latest book, The Gamer; and Ryan Vernel with his Lochview Mysteries. 

Author Ryan Vernel. Photo by Ann Evans.

Wayne from Dragon Geeks had travelled from Cardiff to exhibit his range of fully-licensed fantasy and sci-fi collectables – including lots of horror masks and accessories. After all, who wouldn’t want a Chucky doll or a replica chainsaw that Leatherface used?

Wayne from Dragon Geeks. Photo by Ann Evans.

Another stand which was very in-keeping with this family-friendly event was Sends 4 Dad a social group for Dads/male carers who have a child with special educational needs and/or a disability. We spoke to Neil Meadows manning the stall. Neil explained that this group was founded by his brother Paul Meadows. “Sends 4 Dad run all sorts of events from canoeing and kayaking to walks and quizzes – lots of activities that dads and their kids can go along to. Very often the dads are forgotten about, the group provides a really nice opportunity for dads and kids to get together and have fun. Find them on: www.sends4dad.org.uk  and www.facebook.com/sends4dadmainpage/

All in all, a great family fun day out, and I’m looking forward to attending another Bolt Events Comic Con. 

Visit their website to see when they are coming to a town near you. https://bolt-events.com/