If you spot a ghostbuster or Princess Leia, Doctor Who or a superhero, around Lake Macquarie this month, don’t be alarmed.
You’re not imagining things.
The characters are part of a new pop culture festival to be staged at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba on Saturday 29 July.
The one-day event, the first of its kind in Lake Macquarie, is expected to attract superheroes from across the region, as well as galaxies far, far, away.
Lake Macquarie City Council manager arts, culture and tourism Jacqui Hemsley said Pop Bam would cater to fans of franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter and Doctor Who, as well as those who loved Lego and role-playing games.
“This will be an inclusive event aimed at teens and above, celebrating the fun and magic that pop culture delivers,” she said.
Swordcraft Newcastle will host demonstrations throughout the 10am-4pm event, while Oz Comic-Con FX award-winner Simon Wait will showcase his range of cosplay characters.
The festival will also feature a Sons of Obiwan lightsaber skills show, a cosplay panel covering everything from costume design to makeup, a Pop Bam pop culture trivia contest and local businesses who specialise in pop culture.
A 3pm cosplay competition will offer prizes for the best-dressed contestants, with registrations taken on the day from 1pm until 3pm.
The Dark Knight will be on hand alongside Star Wars favourites from the 501st Legion and a host of other cosplay characters from movies, comic books and pop culture.
So, too, will David Hambly, the man who played Zeus’ harpist in the Marvel blockbuster Thor: Love & Thunder.
The Lake Mac local started dressing up about five years ago “for a bit of extra work”, then landed the dream Hollywood gig.
“I base characters on both the event and what suits my appearance,” he said.
“For example, if it’s a medieval festival then I would dress accordingly, but for pop culture events I dress as Zeus’ harpist because that’s the character I played in the film. It seems logical to play myself as I am that character.”
Brenton Portus, who has been involved in the cosplay scene for almost 15 years, said his love of pop culture prompted him to throw on costumes ranging from Ghostbusters to Marvel superheroes and Star Wars clone troopers.
“Sometimes I think people forget how much fun it is to be a kid, and enjoying the heck out of things just because you can,” he said.
“Most parents will bring their kids to the event, thinking it’s just for them, but the parents end up getting a kick out of it also.”
Tickets to Pop Bam are $10 for adults, $7 for children aged 5-17 and free for kids under five.
For more entertainment inspo:
- What’s On in Newcastle
- Your guide to markets in the region
- Wineries, brewers and entertainers in our region
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