2020 Portsmouth Comic Con postponed until next year

Spokeswoman Kate Gordon said: “It is with a heavy heart that following the latest Government statement and advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guildhall Trust with our event partners, Tripwire Magazine and GoGeek Events CIC, has taken the decision to postpone Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics.

“The event had previously been rescheduled to August 15 and 16 due to the pandemic, but with the new quarantine restrictions for international guests announced and re-opening restrictions for venues and events still unclear, we are sad to confirm that we are no longer able to proceed with plans for an event this summer.”

Chief executive officer for The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said: “While undoubtedly the postponement of our much-loved event will cause disappointment, this is the right decision to ensure the welfare of our guests, exhibitors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and suppliers. The health and safety of everyone has and always will be our priority. We also had to consider that without international guests and the inevitable restrictions distancing would have imposed, we would not have been able to deliver the event to the high standard and quality that our visitors have come to expect and enjoy.

“The Trust has invited all guests and partners set to attend this year to return for the new dates and it is our intention to go ahead in 2021 with the event as we had planned it, but with some additional surprises to ensure we come back with a bang!

“We can’t wait to welcome our amazing comic, film, TV, cosplay, pop culture and geek fans and communities once again on the new dates. Existing tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates and ticket holders do not need to do anything further. As a special thank you to people for holding on to their tickets, The Guildhall Trust will also be offering a limited thank you copy of its Comic Con artwork to collect at next year’s event! If you are unable to attend the new date, we ask you to contact your point of purchase before June 5 2020.

“As a charitable Trust, the postponement will have a significant financial and logistical impact and ask if you are now unable to attend, that you consider donating the cost of your ticket to support the charity behind the event in these challenging times.

“Please keep an eye on our website http://www.portsmouthcomiccon.com for further event updates and follow us Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for lots of comic-related articles and activities to keep you entertained.

“Thank you for your wonderful support, stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you to Portsmouth in May 2021 to make it the best Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics ever!”

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