All things pop culture at Bendi-Con

POP culture nirvana comes to town once again when Bendi-Con touches down at Red Energy Arena on Sunday 25 August.

Regional Victoria’s premier pop culture event, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary under the guidance of founder and organiser Peter Pascoe, will run from 10am to 4pm with a massive line-up of guests, attractions, a cosplay competition and buying opportunities.

At least 2000 enthusiasts are expected to descend on Bendigo from throughout Victoria.

“It’s for fans of all things pop culture,” Mr Pascoe said. “For me personally, my collecting and passion background is comics.

“My focus is on comic book artists, selling comics, that sort of thing (but) that’s a small part of fandom.

“I’m a big Star Wars fan, I’m a big Doctor Who fan as well.This is a very big extension of my passion. It’s by the fans, for the fans.”

Originally the Bendigo Record, Comic and Toy Fair, the convention split into the standalone Bendi-Con and the Bendigo Record Fair events in 2018.

In terms of guests and attractions, Mr Pascoe is making daily announcements of additions at facebook.com/BendiConBendigo and will release a final program schedule closer to the event.

But already confirmed are comic artists Tim McKewen and Jamie Johnson of Sydney, graphic novelists John Lawry and Dr Bruce Mutard, comic creator/writer Peter Lane, independent artist Andrew Law and Melbourne’s Dillon Naylor, among others.

They’ll be meeting and chatting with fans, while several will take part in a panel discussion on the development of comics in Australia.

As for cosplay, the Victorian branches of Star Wars groups the 501st Nighthawks Garrison (the Empire) and the Rebel Legion Hoth Base (the rebels) will be present – but will not be fighting like their movie counterparts.

“It’s the good guys versus the bad guys, but in our world they all get on very nicely,” Mr Pascoe said.

And the Bendigo Whovians Society, a central Victorian group for fans of the Time Lord, also will be present, along with the longest-running Star Wars fan club in the world, Star Walking Inc.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketek, and will also be available at the door.