Fans dismayed as Telford Comic Con is cancelled
A popular comic book convention held in the county for the past 10 years has been cancelled.
MCM Comic Con has been based at Telford's International Centre since 2007 – but organisers now say they want to focus on expanding shows in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, and London, and will not be returning to the county.
Fans who had already bought tickets for 2018's TV, comic and video games convention in Telford should receive a refund in the coming days according to the organisers.
The news has been met with dismay by a number of fans disappointed at the organisers' decision to pull out of the county.
Comic Con events in Liverpool and Northern Ireland were also cancelled as part of the new approach.
In a statement released on their Facebook page, MCM Comic Con said it had been a "difficult decision" to cut back on the shows.
It said: "Our goal at MCM is to provide the ultimate pop culture experiences for our fans throughout the UK.
"In order to deliver bigger and better events, brands, guests and entertainment for our fans we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the MCM Comic Cons in Telford (Midlands), Liverpool and Northern Ireland.
"We know that we have lots of incredibly passionate and dedicated fans in those regions and we want to sincerely thank them for all of the energy and support they have given to us and our shows over the years.
"Moving forward our focus will be on significantly growing and expanding the shows in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. As these shows evolve into larger, more exciting pop culture experiences we hope that all our fans throughout the UK will continue to support us and join us at all of our shows in 2018."
Fans have been quick to voice their disappointment over the cancelled shows, with suggestions that the planned dates should be kept as a last celebration for those who have previously attended.
Craig Wardley said: "Some people have already booked hotels which they can't cancel and bought tickets.
"I do very strongly feel that these conventions should be fulfilled this year as a thank you for everybody that comes – to celebrate the last con.
"But to announce the conventions that were announced now are not happening so hundreds of people have their hotels and their tickets, I do truly feel for them."
Other fans had spoken of the difficulties in attending the event in other parts of the country, and the potential impact on Telford from the loss of thousands of visitors.
Imogen Laverick said: "Gutted to hear this.
"Telford was my first and favourite con, and not all of us can get to London."
Emma Lamb said: "No more Comic Con in Telford for me then, which means no more Comic Con.
"Such a shame you are not putting your customers first.
"Comic Con in Telford was always packed and being a town, Telford needs the extra income generated from this event. Shame."
MCM Comic Con has been hugely popular in the Telford area for the last decade.
It has included appearances from celebrities, the chance to try new video games and to dress up as characters and take part in masquerades and competitions.
Members of the cast of cult sci-fi show Red Dwarf had regularly attended the event, taking part in panels and signing sessions for fans.
