Comic Con - BGCP Comic Con

Geeky Day Out in East Kilbride | Ultimate Guide & Comic Con

4th March 2026

The Ultimate Geeky Day Out in East Kilbride: March 2026 East Kilbride is home to one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping complexes. It is a perfect sanctuary for geeks escaping the Scottish weather. Many come for high-street brands. However, the real magic is in The Hub and The Plaza. Specifically, the East Kilbride Comic Con on March 28th & 29th offers an incredible weekend of pop culture. A Brief History: The Heart of Scotland, East Kilbride The shopping centre east kilbride is a major landmark. To understand why, we must look at its origins. East Kilbride was Scotland’s first “New Town” in 1947. It was designed to help overcrowding in Glasgow. The town’s design was futuristic for the time. It centered on a commercial core that became the east kilbride shopping centre. The centre was built in stages. Original open-air precincts were eventually enclosed. This created a massive all-weather destination. The plaza east kilbride shopping centre was a major expansion. It added a modern aesthetic to the town. It evolved into a sprawling leisure hub. The centre often features in the news east kilbride. It is a primary driver of the local economy. Today, it is a vital part of kilbride scotland. It is a major destination for anyone visiting east kilbride scotland. The Geek Itinerary Top Rated Restaurants & Budget Eats (Verified 2026) Refueling is essential for a two-day event. The Hub offers many great options. These include budget eats and sit-down Italian dining. Specifically, these three are the most popular choices: Why East Kilbride is a “Geek Capital” of Scotland The EK Comic Con is a massive anchor event. Because of this, scotland east kilbride is a top destination for fan culture. By visiting the ek cinema, ice rink, and eateries, you support the local community. In summary, this guide helps you find free things to do in east kilbride. Plan your visit for March 28th-29th now. Specifically, follow the BGCP Facebook page for live updates!

Geeky Day Out in East Kilbride | Ultimate Guide & Comic Con Read More »

Free Perth Events: Blackheart Market at UHI Academy

23rd February 2026

The Spooky & Spectacular Blackheart Market Perth: A Free Alternative Event About The Blackheart Market Perth The Blackheart Market Perth is the city’s premier destination for the darkly inclined and the curious. Following the success of our events in Glasgow and Dundee, we are bringing the shadows to the UHI Perth Academy for a massive takeover of alternative crafts, horror, and gothic culture. As one of the standout Perth events, this market is a top choice for those searching for What’s On Perth or unique things to do in Perthshire. While many niche conventions charge for entry, the Blackheart Market is completely free. This makes it the best budget-friendly day out for goths, horror fans, and collectors of the macabre. Why it is perfect for the alternative community: Entry & Optional Support The Blackheart Market is for everyone. General entry is Completely Free. You do not need a ticket to enter—just turn up and enjoy the eerie atmosphere! However, organizing these specialized markets involves significant costs. To ensure we can keep coming back to Perth, we offer Optional Donation Tickets: VIEW ALL BLACKHEART DATES Venue: UHI Perth Academy (Academy Sport) The event takes place at the UHI Perth campus on Crieff Road. The venue is spacious, accessible, and provides the perfect backdrop for our diverse range of traders. Getting Here: Trade at Perth’s Biggest Alternative Market The Blackheart Market is a high-traffic event that attracts thousands of fans of horror, goth, and alternative subcultures. If you sell dark art, oddities, or alternative apparel, our Perth date is a must-add to your calendar.

Free Perth Events: Blackheart Market at UHI Academy Read More »

Rutherglen Comic Con: Legends of the Town Hall Revealed

17th February 2026

Rutherglen Comic Creators: From the Town Hall to the Global Stage Rutherglen is more than just a historic royal burgh; it is a powerhouse of comic book creativity. For years, the streets of Rutherglen have inspired some of the biggest names in the industry. Specifically, the Rutherglen Town Hall became a sanctuary for fans when BGCP hosted the first-ever Rutherglen Comic Con in 2017. This landmark event brought local legends back to their roots. While the final Rutherglen Comic Con took place in 2020, the legacy of the “Ruglonian” creators continues to dominate the global stage. THE FIRST EVER RUTHERGLEN COMIC CON (2017) In early 2017, BGCP made history by bringing a large-scale comic event to South Lanarkshire. Consequently, the Rutherglen Town Hall was packed with families looking for free family events in Glasgow and free kids events in Scotland. Furthermore, the 2017 show featured an incredible guest list that was truly “made in Rutherglen.” Frank Quitely, Gary Erskine, and John Lees all appeared as guests, meeting fans and signing books in the very town where they grew up. This connection between creator and community made the Rutherglen dates some of our most cherished memories before the final 2020 show. Meet the Rutherglen Legends Rutherglen has produced a disproportionate amount of world-class talent. Moreover, each of these creators has left an indelible mark on the world of superheroes, horror, and sci-fi. Frank Quitely (The Modern Master) Born Vincent Deighan, Frank Quitely is arguably the most famous comic artist to emerge from Rutherglen. Specifically, his meticulous detail and unique style have made him a household name at DC and Marvel. Gary Erskine (The Versatile Visionary) Gary Erskine grew up in Burnside and attended Stonelaw High School. Additionally, he has spent over 30 years working for every major publisher in the industry. John Lees (The Horror Specialist) Representing the new generation of Rutherglen talent, John Lees is a multi-award-winning writer known for his chilling and atmospheric storytelling. Rutherglen Town Hall: A Cultural Hub The Rutherglen Town Hall served as the perfect backdrop for these events. Consequently, its grand architecture matched the epic scale of the stories told by our guests. Although our final comic con in the town was held in 2020, we still encourage fans to support local talent through our current shows. If you are looking for free kids events in Scotland today, you should check our current schedule. Specifically, we still host massive takeovers across the country where you can find the latest books by these Rutherglen creators. Visit our to see where the next “Town Hall” style takeover is happening! In summary, Rutherglen remains a vital part of the BGCP story, and we are proud to celebrate the creators who started their journey here. Find out your nearest Comic Con

Rutherglen Comic Con: Legends of the Town Hall Revealed Read More »

EK Shopping Centre Guide: Comic Con at The Hub & Olympia

4th March 2026

The Ultimate Visitor Guide to EK Shopping Centre & Comic Con East Kilbride is home to one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping destinations. It is a perfect sanctuary for fans escaping the unpredictable Scottish weather. While many come for high-street brands, the real magic is in The Hub and The Plaza. Specifically, the East Kilbride Comic Con offers an incredible weekend of pop culture right in the heart of the mall. A Legacy of Design: The Shopping Centre East Kilbride The shopping centre east kilbride is a major landmark in Scottish history. To understand its scale, we must look at its origins. East Kilbride was Scotland’s first “New Town,” founded in 1947. It was designed to be futuristic. This vision centered on a massive commercial core that became the east kilbride shopping centre. The centre was built in several major stages. Original open-air precincts were eventually enclosed to create an all-weather destination. The plaza east kilbride shopping centre was a major expansion that added a modern aesthetic. Over the decades, it evolved into a sprawling leisure hub. The centre often features in the news east kilbride as a primary driver of the local economy. Today, it remains a vital part of kilbride scotland and a major destination for anyone visiting east kilbride scotland. Top Geeky Things to Do in East Kilbride 1. BGCP Comic Con (The Hub & Plaza): This is the biggest news in east kilbride for pop-culture fans! Meet iconic characters and browse 60 specialist traders in a Free Entry atmosphere. 2. The Olympia & Ice Rink: This is a classic East Kilbride institution. It is perfect for families during a busy weekend in scotland east kilbride. 3. Odeon Cinema EK: Catch the latest blockbuster at the odeon east kilbride. The odeon cinema ek features luxury recliner seats. It is the ultimate place to relax near the comic stalls. For locals, the ek cinema (or cinema ek) is the centerpiece of a day out at the shopping centre. 4. Architecture Walk: Stroll through the civic centre to see the town’s unique futuristic design. This provides a perfect backdrop for cosplay photography in east kilbride. Refuel: Best Eats at The Hub (Verified 2026) Refueling is essential for a big day out. The Hub offers many great options, including budget eats and sit-down dining. Specifically, these three are the most popular choices: Nando’s (The Hub): This is a go-to for a reliable meal. Its location in the leisure quarter is very convenient for con-goers. Tony Macaroni (The Hub): This top-rated Italian restaurant is ideal for families. It offers a quality sit-down experience just minutes from the plaza. The Hay Stook (Wetherspoon): This is the ultimate budget-friendly choice. It is the best spot for families wanting an affordable lunch near the action.

EK Shopping Centre Guide: Comic Con at The Hub & Olympia Read More »

Dundee Comic Con 2026: The Ultimate Geek Shopping Guide (70+ Tables)

16th February 2026

Dundee Comic Con returns to the Wellgate Shopping Centre this Valentine’s Day! Specifically, on Saturday 14th February 2026, we are transforming the centre into a geek’s paradise. Whether you are looking for a last-minute Valentine’s gift or just treating yourself, our trader lineup has something for everyone. As a result, we have packed the venue with over 70 tables of merchandise. Below, you can find the full list of vendors attending the event. The Big Names First, we are excited to welcome back some BGCP favourites. For instance, A1 Toys will be bringing a massive selection of themed mystery bags. Additionally, Fab Deals UK returns with their incredible range of funko pops and loungefly bags. Furthermore, if you are looking for retro toys, Toy Trader UK will be in attendance. Also, anime fans should look out for Kaos Kreations, Hey Hey Anime and Pokedot for all your Japanese import needs. Artists and Creators Moreover, we are proud to host a huge variety of independent artists and creators. Notably, Galuxeh Art creates stunning watercolour Pokemon Art that you need to see in person. In addition, you can find unique handmade items from creators like Punkrockelite Creations , Carvictures , and Quirky Koala The Full 2026 Lineup Here is the complete alphabetical list of traders you can meet at Dundee Comic Con this February: Event Details Don’t forget, entry is completely free! For more information, visit the main Dundee Comic Con Event Page.

Dundee Comic Con 2026: The Ultimate Geek Shopping Guide (70+ Tables) Read More »

Get Ready! The 2026 Blackheart Market Dates Are Here

30th January 2026

The wait is over! We are hitting the road again in 2026 to bring the very best in horror, goth, and alternative culture to a town near you. Whether you are looking for rare horror collectibles, handmade gothic jewelry, unique artwork, or just want to be among like-minded souls, Blackheart Market is the place to be. We have curated an incredible lineup of traders for this year’s tour across Scotland. Get your diaries out and mark the dates! Here is where you can find the Blackheart Market this year: 🗓️ 2026 Tour Schedule January February April May August 🎃 The Halloween Season Tour We are going big for the spooky season! Join us this October for our special Halloween markets: What to Expect at Blackheart Market If you haven’t visited us before, you are in for a treat (and maybe a trick or two). Our markets feature the finest independent creatives in the UK, specializing in: Don’t miss out on updates! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for trader announcements and venue details. See you in the shadows! 🕸️🖤

Get Ready! The 2026 Blackheart Market Dates Are Here Read More »

Free Things to Do in Dundee: The Ultimate Geek Day Out

24th January 2026

Are you looking for free things to do in Dundee this Valentine’s weekend? On Saturday 14th February 2026, the BGCP Comic Con Takeover returns to the Wellgate Shopping Centre for a massive pop-up event. But once you’ve raided the stalls for Funko Pops and met the cosplayers, how do you fill the rest of your day without spending a fortune? Dundee is the birthplace of Scottish comics (The Beano, The Dandy) and the home of Grand Theft Auto. It is the perfect city for a “Geek Day Out.” Here is your guide to the best family days out in Dundee, including hidden gaming bars, comic statues, and the best lunch spots near the city centre. The “Comic City” Statue Walk You can’t visit the home of DC Thomson without paying respects to the legends. The city is full of bronze statues that are perfect for your Instagram feed. Visit the V&A Dundee & RRS Discovery This is the #1 searched location in the city for a reason. Even if you don’t buy a ticket for an exhibition, walking around the exterior of the V&A Dundee is an experience in itself. The Geek Shopping Survival Guide Looking for gaming merch or manga? Here are the essential stops on the Dundee high street: Best Places to Eat in Dundee City Centre Avoid the chains and try these independent favourites that are popular with locals: The After-Con Quest: Gaming Bars & Cafés If you are making a night of it, try these interactive venues: More Free Family Fun If you have time to kill, check out these free local attractions: Event Details Join us for the ultimate Geek Day Out in the coolest little city in Scotland.

Free Things to Do in Dundee: The Ultimate Geek Day Out Read More »

2026: A Brand New Chapter for BGCP Comic Con

26th January 2026

Hello everyone! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year’s celebration, however you spent it. As we kick off 2026, we wanted to be transparent about the journey BGCP has been on. Last year was one of our biggest learning curves yet. In 2025, we made the bold move to make 90% of our events free entry. Our goal was to keep the community accessible during a tough economic time, and while it was incredible to see attendance numbers surge, it brought its own set of challenges. As many of you noticed, we shifted our focus toward our smaller, more specialised event, The Blackheart Market. This move, combined with the free-entry model for our larger shows, led to a significant decrease in income. Running high-quality events comes with rising costs for venue hire, licensing, and insurance—all of which hit record highs last year. The Strategy for 2026 While our core mission remains being the most budget-friendly and accessible comic con in the UK, we have to make some adjustments to ensure we can keep coming to your towns. The Shift in Fandom We’ve been watching the trends closely. 2025 showed us that while the “MCU Hype” that fuelled the last decade has started to wane, Anime and Horror are surging in popularity. The “geek mainstream” is changing, and we are adapting our traders, guests, and activities to reflect that. Whether you’re a die-hard manga reader or a horror buff from The Blackheart Market, we’re making sure 2026 has something that speaks to your specific fandom. Our goal remains the same: bringing the cool stuff to your doorstep and helping you create those core memories that we love to talk about.

2026: A Brand New Chapter for BGCP Comic Con Read More »