By Dr Sorcha Ní Fhlainn (Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University. Author of titles including Postmodern Vampires: Film, Fiction, and Popular Culture, previously interviewed by Haunt Manchester here). 

Following on from the enormously successful For the Love of Horror event in mid-October this year (see here for my extended review on the superb convention and special guest interviews), Monopoly Events and Andy Kleek present the 5th convention of For the Love of Sci-Fi on 7-8 December 2019 – coming to Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longbridge Rd, Stretford, Manchester M17 1EH.

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This year, due to the success of these superb fan conventions to date, the line-up proves to be extremely exciting, ranging from displays of props from classic Sci-Fi cinema (Ed -209 from Robocop [1987] and the original armour is bound to be a hit) to live Q&As with screen icons. Bring out your creative side and make your own costume to join in the wonderfully diverse and talented cos-players who bring their favourite creations to life. The talent on display is extraordinary at science fiction, fantasy and horror conventions! Why not watch a few bouts of Robot Wars, or test your abilities at axe throwing?!  Or you can simply relax and unwind with a drink at the Star Wars-styled Cantina (where there is also a Sci-Fi after party!) to escape to a galaxy far, far away…  

As with other Monopoly/Kleek events, the trader’s hall promises to be a particularly apt place to get those necessary presents just in time for Christmas! Judging on this year’s hall at the For the Love of Horror in October, it will certainly contain a superb array of collector's items ranging from t-shirts, costumes and posters through to craft works, sculpture, paintings, artistry and collector’s rare-to-find items; a perfect place to find that rare or surprise gift for the sci-fi devotee in your life.

The guests will, of course, be the main attraction to this event, which promises to have live Q&A discussions with some of the stars of fantasy and science fiction too. Exciting guests for this packed weekend include action star Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV; Universal Solider; Masters of the Universe), Karl Urban (J.J. Abrams Star Trek series; DREDD), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon; Predator 2), Ray Park (Star Wars; X Men), Jon Bernthal (Punisher; Daredevil; The Wolf of Wall Street) and Al Leong (Bill and Ted; Die Hard). Other stars also in attendance are set to include science fiction and dark fantasy stalwarts Ray Wise (Twin Peaks), Peter Weller (RoboCop), Mark Dodson (Star Wars; Gremlins) and Spencer Cullen (best known for playing Darth Vader's body in Star Wars!). Plus there will be a father-and-daughter first at For the Love Of Sci-Fi, as Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter) and Annabelle Davis (The Dumping Ground) will be there.

See guests from some of the most memorable films! After all, the legendary Brian Blessed (he of the booming, sonorous voice) and Sam Jones are paired up for a timely celebration of the 1980 cult classic Flash Gordon! Other stars from classic films include Peter Cullen and Frank Weller – both of whom voiced characters in the much-loved Transformers animated series!  More recent break-out stars, such as Charlie Heaton from Netflix’s runaway Gothic 1980s smash Stranger Things will also be there… as we wait in excitement for the fourth season of the series! So, when it comes to For the Love of Sci-Fi, this line up is testament to the ongoing love for the genre by fans of all ages (and all generations!).

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Great entertainment as well as great guests make For the Love of Sci-Fi a convention not to miss! There will be a special opening concert on the Friday evening (Friday 6 December, 6pm at Bowlers until late) featuring Sci-Fi legends Blues Harvest - one of the most popular party bands in the UK, who will be celebrating all things otherworldly in their musical tributes to science fiction’s most popular scores and sounds!

Then across the weekend there will be a very special film event… a world premiere of the StarWars Origins Film (produced by Velvet TV) with a cast and crew panel, and showings on both Saturday and Sunday.

We cannot wait to see the convention get underway and to meet some of its prestigious guests. A few tickets remain and can be purchased from the site below – we’ll see you there!

Tickets information: You can buy your passes, autographs and meet and greet opportunities here - https://www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com/guests-2019

Images with thanks to Amy Parkinson and For the Love of Sci-Fi