Celebrating pop culture for youth

BALLARAT’S premier youth event covering all things pop culture will make its return in just over a fortnight.

Wandering cosplayers as well as more casually dressed attendees will soon descend on Barkly Square to peruse the region’s comics, media, gaming, collectibles and creative offerings when PopCon is held again next month.

The free event is being delivered once again by young people for young people through Sonika, the City of Ballarat’s FReeZA group.

Mayor Des Hudson said PopCon is about celebrating the things many young people are interested in.

“Ballarat’s annual popular culture convention is set to be bigger and better than ever in 2024,” Cr Hudson said.

“PopCon is a fantastic showcase of the commitment of Ballarat’s young people to our community. The hard work and dedication of Sonika volunteers to the delivery of events for their peers is commendable.”

PopCon returned last year for the first time since 2019 following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 30 stalls are set to feature, showcasing local businesses like Heroes HQ, Chaos Boutique and Kryal Castle, as well as creators such as Dillon Naylor.

The competition for best cosplay will return with participants able to enter in the juniors or under-12s, general and group categories, and registration is available via the event’s social media pages.

A popup theatre, presentations, and chillout space will also feature.

Cr Hudson said he expects the event to be a popular attraction following its successful return last year.

“In 2023, PopCon attracted well over 2000 people,” he said. “This year, Sonika volunteers are aiming to top this number.

“I have no doubt PopCon will be another great success in 2024.”

PopCon will be held on Sunday 15 September from 10am to 4pm at 25 Barkly Street.