The 3rd annual HorrorCon UK was this year held, as it always is, at the wonderful location of the Magna Science Adventure Centre across the weekend of the 13th and 14th May 2017. A location such as this could not have been a greater setting for a convention of such a thrilling nature. The eerie exterior married with the industrial architecture gave off the ominous impression every horror movie worth its salt needs.
After walking through the admission I was instantly struck by the level of dedication the organizers had gone to establish such an enjoyable event. The opening venture featured Zombie fighting training and a less than comfortable chill running down your back. If this genre has taught me anything, it’s that things aren’t ever what they seem on the surface.
Once I plucked up the nerve to move beyond the sea of exceptional Scareplay competitors, and trust me, the level of accuracy shown by some of these costumes was mind blowing, I was fortunate to meet with the immensely talented group responsible for the Monster Charity Project. For those unaware of who they are and where they come from, be sure to check the interview I had with the guys over at Second Union’s YouTube page.
Throughout the rest of the day, I was continually impressed by the level of professionalism on display by the promoters, traders, and entertainers. Traders that included sales of products such as custom made coasters, graphic novels, cupcakes, masks, and costumes.
Furthermore, what continually impressed me was the overruling sense of enjoyment felt across the entire event. From staff to attendee, there was an obvious sensation of excitement surrounding this blink and you’ll miss it event.
To say I was surprised does HorrorCon a disservice. I went into this event with a very open mind expecting as much as any convention could possibly offer. What I got instead was a much more initiate occasion filled with an array of passionate, like-minded fans, something that can potentially be lost on the more commercially known Conventions.
For me, however, the most enjoyable element was the Q&A session with Sid Haig, Cassandra Peterson, and Heather Langenkamp. It was fascinating to hear tales from figures that have experienced the moviemaking industry first hand. What was even better was that Haig actually took a question from yours truly himself.
Q – Are there any Directors you would like to work with that you haven’t had the chance to?
A – Haven’t had the chance yet! Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese. It’s funny actually, the end of Apocalypse Now is actually a film produced by Jack Hill when he was a student. Coppola couldn’t quite work out the ending to what has obviously become such an iconic film. When he was working it out he discovered Jack’s student film and approached him to utilise it as the final act.
With permission from The Labyrinth, here is the video of the Sid Haig panel…
Overall HorrorCon UK was an incredibly enjoyable event. I can’t recommend the degree of enjoyment I had enough. Clearly not yet as big as the more recognizable Cons out there, but definitely one the world should pay attention to over the coming years.
