Memorabilia Show

There's another Memorabilia Show at the NEC this weekend and I attended today's event. These shows have been running successfully since 1994 and never fail to draw huge crowds. Originally just a "table top" event of dealers selling collectible wares, the shows have expanded over the years to include star guests from film and tv, available to sign autographs (for a price) and chat with the fans. In recent times a stage area has also been added, so that guests can be interviewed and take part in a question and answer session. (An excellent alternative to standing in line to meet the actors.)

Comic creators also often guest at the shows, although there weren't so many in attendance this time. There also seemed to be less people selling comics, although comics have never dominated the events. The very first Memorabilia Show had a variety of collectibles, including beermats, old newspapers, and tin toys, but now its settled into more of a cult memorabilia event. Movie-related merchandise seems to be in the majority, and there's also a recent inclusion of sporting memorabilia on display (and guests from the world of sport).

If you've never attended a Memorabilia Show it's worth going along, even for a browse. Taking place in one of the huge halls at the NEC, the event runs 24th-25th November. Admission price £11 per adult. Next event: 29th/30th March 2008.

Here's a few photos from today's show. As always, click on the pics to see them full size:


Above: Comic artists Andrew Wildman and Mike Collins hard at work all day selling sketches for the very worthy Draw the World Together charity.


A classic Dalek wanders around the hall. Always good to see Daleks having a break from conquering the universe to shop early for Christmas, but they're so commonplace at these events now that people pass by nonchalantly.


Actor John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazard) interviewed on stage.
John's website: http://www.johnschneider.tv


Actor Greg Grunberg (Alias, Heroes) prepares to sign autographs for fans.


Mike McLean, proprietor of Aberdeen's Asylum Books and Games with his stall display of superhero statues and busts. Mike also sells comics online, so visit his website for details.


British filmmaker Neil Marshall, director of Dog Soldiers and The Descent is interviewed about his upcoming movie Doomsday.



For a price, attendees could be turned into zombies or "disfigured" with scars thanks to the skills of a professional make up artist on the Gorezone magazine stand. Must be a bit embarrassing on the train journey home.