GEEKFEST 2023 AT HEARTLANDS NEAR REDRUTH IS SET TO BE THE BEST YET, 26-28 AUGUST 2023. CODENAMED GEEKFEST 007 (2023), PREPARE FOR PLENTY OF FUN, COSPLAY, GAMES AND MUCH MORE, SHAKEN NOT STIRRED…
Geeks are usually pretty damn intelligent. They generally have an interest bordering on an obsession that’s related to sci-fi, fantasy, tech or gaming. They can be girls or boys, young or old, tall or short, or anything in between all of that. They may love dressing up in fantasy or sci-fi costumes. They may love tech and robots. Famously, they’ve been described as those kids you may not have mixed with at school but you ended up working for in adulthood. But there’s one thing all geeks love: a festival to share with other geeks!
In reality, we’re all a bit geeky. If you don’t like any sci-fi, fantasy, gaming or dressing up, well, like a Dalek, you may not be human. So, whether you’re part-geek or full-geek, Geekfest 2023 at Heartlands in Pool, Cornwall, near Redruth, is definitely worth hitting up for a weekend. It’s often labelled as a ‘comic con’ – a convention that brings together comic fans, creators and experts to enjoy comic-themed stalls, parties and panels – but Geekfest 2023 is so, so much more.
This big festival of sci-fi, fantasy, cosplay and all things geek returns for its seventh edition on Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August 2023, from 10am each day. Expect a ton of activities, stalls, games, workshops and events to entertain and challenge visitors of all ages throughout the weekend and on the Bank Holiday Monday in a massive celebration of all things geeky.
There’s a James Bond theme this year too as it’s codenamed Geekfest 007 (2023), ‘From Cornwall With Love’. Visitors are also urged to ‘Geek Another Day’ at the event. The theme will play out over the weekend, so if you love Bond, you may be in double-o-seventh heaven!
Cosplay rules at Geekfest! Image by Dave Scoffin Photography
It’s a family friendly affair during all three days with loads of cosplay, live performances, trade stalls and panels in the mix but on the Saturday night between 7pm and 11pm, also expect an ‘after-show party’ with a bar and live music in an entertainment marquee.
Cosplay is encouraged throughout the weekend, whatever you’re doing. In fact, Heartlands has set a mission for the event that requires ‘immense cosplay skill’. Basically, create an awesome costume, wear it and impress the judges in the venue’s cosplay competition each day in three categories: ’10-and-unders’, ’11-16-year-olds’ and ‘adults over 17’. It’s 50p per entry but all monies raised will go to charity.
Here’s a quick flavour of some of the events from 2022 which may or may not return in 2023: a dedicated games area with Games Academy experts from Falmouth University. A movie showing of a ‘Jurassic Park’ fan film. VR game demonstrations from the experts at Player Ready. Baby animatronic dinosaurs that kids (and big kids) can interact with, including ‘Titch the T-Rex’. Charity collectors in ‘Star Wars’ fancy dress.
Not enough? These also happened in 2023: An outdoor laser show on the Saturday night. Drone racing. Quidditch games. Theatrical workshops for kids. A cosplay band on the Saturday night. Fantasy jewellery and crafts. Toys. Geek chic. Merch. Books, comics, collectibles and dice stalls. Robots. Doctor Who’s TARDIS. A time-travelling Delorean. Live action roleplaying (or LARPing). Fun. Games. Socialising. And a whole lotta ‘Star Wars’, sci-fi and fantasy cosplay.
To find out what’s happening exactly at Geekfest 2023, click on the ‘website’ link above and check out the official site. And then get that sci-fi or fantasy costume on, grab your plastic light sabre or rubber sword and make your way down to the biggest celebration of geek culture this year in Cornwall. Prepare to laugh it up, fuzzballs!