TikTok star set for ‘mini comic con’ at Metrocentre

Chris Saunders, best known for his TV and film trivia channel ‘Screen and Beyond’ which has gained more than 270,000 followers, will help choose the winners of a cosplay contest as part of this year’s Fan Fest.

Fan Fest will take place on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, returning to the centre for its third summer.

The event has been described by previous attendees as a “mini Comic Con.”

The event’s Star Wars zone will include a five-metre-high AT-ST, a replica Snowspeeder, and Jabba the Hutt’s lair complete with his Throne Room.

@screenandbeyond Growing up with Star Wars and He-Man shaped my childhood, the toys, cartoons, action figures and movies were EVERYTHING. Now with The Mandalorian & Grogu and Masters of the Universe both hitting the big screen, it feels like the 80s and 90s are back all over again. Seeing lightsabers, Skeletor and He-Man figures back in toy shops is pure nostalgia. Early reactions are already building massive hype for both movies, but could He-Man actually become the surprise hit of 2026? I think so Team Star Wars or Team He-Man? Which movie are you more excited for? #whattowatch #movienews #starwars #mastersoftheuniverse #newreleases @Star Wars @mastersmovie ♬ original sound – Chris – Screen and Beyond

Other themed areas will feature Castle Grayskull from Masters of the Universe, as well as characters from Marvel and DC, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Visitors are encouraged to take part in the cosplay competition by photographing their costumes at the event and posting them on Instagram before 4pm, tagging Metrocentre and using the hashtag #FanFestMetrocentre for a bonus entry.

In a statement, the Metrocentre’s marketing manager, Helen Atkinson, said: “Lifelong enthusiast or relatively new to pop culture, with each edition of Fan Fest we continue to add more and more attractions to appeal to every age and interest.

“With this being Metrocentre’s 40th year, festivalgoers can also look forward to some special 1980s nostalgia: from costumed characters and displays to retro vehicles.”

Food venues will be joining in the fun, with Pizza Express offering perks for cosplayers and several other restaurants including Nando’s, Bella Italia, Thaikhun, and Fattoush Lounge running ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotions throughout the weekend.

A full event guide and competition details will be available at themetrocentre.co.uk in the days leading up to the event.