newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie’s POP BAM festival will return to Glendale on Saturday, bringing cosplay, gaming and pop culture attractions to the Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko.
Running from 10am to 3pm on 25 July, the festival will feature cosplay showcases, tabletop games, live-action battles, movie vehicles, markets and creative workshops. Fans of fantasy, science fiction, gaming, comics and film will also be able to meet artists, makers, performers and fan groups.
Actor Stephen Hunter, best known for playing Bombur in The Hobbit trilogy, will appear as a special guest and take part in a live question-and-answer session.
“Without overstating it, events like these are often the highlight of the year for many people – especially if they get to meet and interact with someone in their favourite part of fandom,” Mr Hunter said.
“I love how cosplay lets people really express their passion and to feel at ease to be themselves without judgment. It’s a great place to find your tribe.”
Paul Hempsall, a member of the Star Wars 501st Legion’s Southern Cross Garrison and the local Ghostbusters fan group, said the festival provided a welcoming environment for fans and creative communities.
“They’re also safe spaces. Everyone there is a geek just like you, so there’s no judgement – it’s just a celebration of whatever your fandoms happen to be, and a chance for everyone to appreciate what everyone else has made and pulled off,” he said.
“For fans, it’s finding out there’s a whole community locally who are just as into it as they are. That’s how most of our members found us in the first place.”
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said creativity was at the heart of the event.
“POP BAM celebrates the fandoms people are passionate about, but it’s really the creativity behind them that makes the event special. From handmade costumes and props to artwork, storytelling and performance, the talent on display is always incredible,” she said.
“It’s also a wonderfully welcoming event where people can connect through shared interests, discover something new and simply have fun. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or attending for the first time, there’s something for everyone.”
The festival will be hosted by The Pretty Amazing Jono. Tickets and the full program are available at library.lakemac.com.au/popbam.
