A comic book convention which brought superheroes to the streets of Huddersfield last summer is back on for 2023.
The free event, or ‘comic con’, will see comic book and sci-fi fans – many dressed as their favourite comic book characters – flood into the town centre. This year, Huddersfield BID (Business Improvement District) is delivering an even bigger comic book experience for attendees on Saturday 24th June.
The event was first held in July 2022, and it saw high footfall figures for the town centre and a big boost in trade for town centre retailers.
Kirklees Council reported that the event, held on Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24, saw 174,449 people visit the town centre, an increase of 18.87% on the weekend average of 146,753 in the last three months. Traders were delighted with the success with one specialist shop taking a week’s takings in just two days. Another saw a 50% rise on the average weekend.
Huddersfield BID manager, Sam Sharp, said the event was a great success in 2022 and formed part of the BID’s event calendar to help its goal to promote Huddersfield as a vibrant town, with lots to do.
Sam says: “Attendees this year can expect to see more replica cars from their favourite movies, as well as cosplay characters and signings from huge industry names. There will be comic con themed stall holders who will be made up of local town centre businesses, industry names and any other relevant business who want to get involved in this great event.”
New for 2023 will be The Star Wars experience where visitors can meet ‘real’ Jedis, attend talks and see replica props from all of the Star Wars movies. The superhero trail will return, where attendees can complete the trail via the loyal free app and be entered into a prize draw with a £50 voucher to spend at Kapow Comics in Huddersfield.
Last year, one of the shops to benefit was pop culture shop Diversions Gifts in the Imperial Arcade. Owner, Gareth Hughes, saw his takings soar and said: “We had a fantastic time, and it was enjoyable to see so many families come and enjoy a day out for free in Huddersfield.
“Financially, the event was a massive success for us. We took a week’s takings in one weekend which is just the boost we were hoping for.
“It can sometimes feel like town centre shops are forgotten about, but Huddersfield BID has come in to promote the town centre and it has proven what is possible with the ‘Get Your Geek On’ event.”
Town centre businesses are already looking forward to this year’s event and Huddersfield BID has just announced its latest event, which will be the Easter Egg Trail taking part in the town centre between April 3rd – April 17th. You can find out more about the upcoming events here : https://huddersfieldbid.co.uk/events/