How to Set Up and Run Your Own Comic Con in the UK

Comic conventions have exploded in popularity across the UK, with events like MCM Comic Con in London and Wales Comic Con drawing thousands of fans. 

But you don’t need to be a huge corporation to host one.

From local cosplay gatherings to regional comic book conventions, it’s entirely possible to run your own Comic Con. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up, promote, and successfully manage your very own UK comic convention.

1. Define Your Comic Con Vision

Start by deciding what kind of Comic Con you want to create:

Scale: A local community convention or a larger regional comic con?

Focus: Strictly comics, or a mix of cosplay, anime, gaming, film, and pop culture?

Audience: Families, hardcore collectors, students, or a broad fanbase?

Having a clear vision helps you target the right people and gives your event a strong identity.

2. Build a Team of Volunteers and Organisers

No one runs a Comic Con alone. Successful comic conventions in the UK rely on dedicated teams. Assign clear roles:

Event Manager – oversees everything

Guest & Talent Coordinator – books comic artists, actors, or voice actors

Exhibitor Liaison – manages stalls and dealer tables

Marketing & PR Lead – handles social media and local press

Volunteer Coordinator – recruits helpers for the day

3. Budget and Funding for a Comic Con

Your budget will need to cover:

Venue hire (sports halls, hotels, or community centres)

Guest fees and travel expenses

Marketing and print materials

Insurance and licences

Security and first aid cover

How to raise funds:

Advance ticket sales (early-bird discounts help)

Exhibitor/vendor stall fees

Sponsorship from local businesses

Crowdfunding campaigns to build fan support

4. Choosing the Right Venue

In the UK, many Comic Cons are hosted in sports centres, exhibition halls, and even universities. Look for:

Sufficient space for stalls, cosplay competitions, and panels

Good transport links (especially if near a railway station)

Disabled access and clear layout

Food and drink options (in-house or vendors)

A convenient venue makes your Comic Con much more attractive to attendees.

5. Guests and Exhibitors

Guests are often the main draw. Depending on your budget, consider:

Comic artists, illustrators, and independent creators

Voice actors or actors from popular franchises

Cosplay guests and competition judges

Local vendors (comics, collectibles, retro gaming, merch)

Offering an Artist Alley is a great way to spotlight independent talent.

6. Programming and Activities for Attendees

Make your Comic Con engaging with a varied schedule:

Panel talks and Q&As

Cosplay competitions and catwalks

Gaming zones (tabletop, card games, or retro consoles)

Anime or film screenings

Creative workshops (drawing, costume-making, writing)

Cosplay is especially popular in the UK – so make sure you highlight it in your marketing.

7. Marketing Your Comic Con in the UK

Promotion is everything. Start at least six months before the event. Use:

Social Media – Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook groups for cosplayers and comic fans

Local Press – Newspapers, community radio, and online listings

Posters & Flyers – Place in comic book shops, game stores, schools, and libraries

Partnerships – Work with local businesses, universities, and fan clubs

Pro tip: create a hashtag for your event.

8. Safety, Insurance, and Logistics

In the UK, you’ll need:

Public liability insurance

Security staff for crowd control

First aid cover

Accessibility planning

Clear signage and schedules

A smooth, safe experience will encourage fans to return year after year.

9. Running the Event on the Day

Arrive early, brief your volunteers, and keep your team in constant contact via radios or WhatsApp groups. Stay flexible – schedules always change slightly – but keep guests and vendors updated. A calm organiser means a great Comic Con atmosphere.

10. After the Comic Con

Thank your guests, vendors, and attendees. Post highlight photos and videos on social media, gather feedback, and start teasing plans for your next event. Many UK comic cons grow because organisers treat the first year as a foundation for future success.

Final Comic Con Thoughts

Running your own Comic Con in the UK takes effort, planning, and passion – but it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you want to create a small local cosplay convention or build the next big regional comic event, the key is to focus on community, creativity, and fun. With the right vision, your Comic Con could become a much-loved annual tradition.