Leeds Comic Con 2026: Guests, cosplay, activities and everything you need to know

The event originally found its feet in the city centre, often hosted in hotel function rooms such as the Marriott on Boar Lane, and back then, it was a smaller, more intimate gathering of sci-fi collectors and comic book fans.

However, as the ‘cosplay’ phenomenon exploded in the mid-2010s, the event began to attract thousands rather than hundreds.

The turning point came in 2020. Organisers (Creed Conventions) realised that the city centre hotels could no longer contain the ‘geeky chaos’ of the Leeds crowd.

The move to New Dock Hall was a significant gamble that paid off, providing the floor space needed for life-sized movie props, a dedicated gaming zone, and a stage large enough for the city’s massive cosplay contests.

Over the years, Leeds has played host to some of the biggest names in geek culture. Previous conventions have seen everyone from Paul McGann (The Eighth Doctor) and Bernard Hill (Lord of the Rings) to Colin Baker and stars of the Harry Potter franchise.

What makes the Leeds date unique on the UK circuit is the ‘Northern Energy.’

Guests frequently remark that while London crowds are bigger, the Leeds crowd is more engaged; often leading to those spontaneous stage invasions and sing-alongs.

Whether you are a die-hard collector, a cosplay pro, or just looking for a family day out that’s a bit more ‘super’ than your average Saturday, the Royal Armouries' neighbour is the place to be.

Here is your essential guide to the 2026 event.

When do doors open for Leeds Comic Con 2026?

There are two different entry times that those looking to attend this year need to keep in mind.

Those with Early Bird tickets can enter the hall when the doors open at 10am, with those with standard entry tickets able to enter from 11am.

This year’s convention is set to conclude by 4pm.

How much are tickets to attend Leeds Comic Con 2026?

Sadly, according to Eventbrite, Early Bird tickets have now all sold out.

However, Standard Adult Entry (from 11:00 am) is priced at £11, while Child Entry (for those under 12) is available for under £7 and both are still available now.

It is important to note that the organisers have a strict policy that anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you’re heading down with the whole squad, the Family Entry ticket offers the best value at £28. This covers either one adult and up to three children, or two adults and two children, making it a budget-friendly way to get everyone into the spirit of the day.

Since it is a drop-in style event, on-the-door tickets are usually cash-only if the venue hasn't reached capacity, so book ahead of time through Eventbrite.

What guests are scheduled to appear at Leeds Comic Con 2026?

For the Leeds Comic Con on Saturday, March 14, the guest list features a strong mix of Star Wars and cult sci-fi favourites.

• Michael Carter: Best known to fans as Bib Fortuna (Jabba the Hutt’s right-hand man) in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
• Chloe Annett: The actress who portrayed Kristine Kochanski in the cult British sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf.
• Adrian Rawlins: A huge name for Harry Potter fans (he played James Potter) and more recently acclaimed for his role in the award-winning series Chernobyl.
• Samantha Alleyne: A significant figure in modern Star Wars history; she was the first female Stormtrooper in the franchise and has appeared in all five Disney-era films.
• Nigel Parkinson: For the comic book purists, the official artist for The Beano, drawing icons like Dennis the Menace and Minnie the Minx.

In addition to the signings, the event will feature Guest Talks on the main stage; this is where you'll get the best behind-the-scenes stories, like Michael Carter’s experience in the makeup chair for Jabba's Palace or Samantha Alleyne's history-making moments on set.

However, guests are subject to work schedules, so keep an eye on the Leeds Comic Con social media pages for any last-minute updates before the day.

How much will it cost me for any signing for photo opportunities with the guests?

If you are looking to meet Michael Carter, he is the premium guest of the day. A signature on an item will cost you £30, and a photo with him is also priced at £30. For the Red Dwarf fans heading down to see Chloe Annett, you can secure an autograph for £20, while a quick "selfie" at the table is slightly cheaper at £15.

The Star Wars and Harry Potter connections continue with Samantha Alleyne and Adrian Rawlins. Both guests have their signings priced at £20. Specifically for Samantha, a photo opportunity is also set at £20.

Tickets for the opportunities are also available through the official Eventbrite ticketing page, but admission to Leeds Comic Con must be purchased separately, and you will need to present both your entry ticket and your photoshoot E-ticket to access the session.

These can be displayed on a phone or tablet, but if you're worried about battery life or signal in the docks, the organisers recommend printing a physical backup just in case.

Photoshoots take place at specific, pre-arranged slots throughout the day, and it is the ticket holder's responsibility to check the schedule. Creed Conventions typically posts these times on their official Facebook page in the days leading up to the event, and final versions will be displayed at New Dock Hall on Saturday.

Be warned: if you miss your allotted slot, your photo cannot be taken later, and no refunds will be issued for late arrivals.

Once you’re in the booth, the process is quick and professional; rather than a digital file or a home-office inkjet print, you will receive a high-quality 6x9" colour photograph, which will be ready for collection before you even leave the photoshoot area.

Digital downloads aren't available after the show, so ensure you have your physical copy in hand before heading back to the Trader Zone.