Scotland’s much-loved Capital Sci-Fi Con will return for a sixth year on Saturday March 13th, 2021. This year’s event will be held virtually for the first time, allowing audiences across the globe to participate. This popular pop culture, comic, and movie convention is usually held over the course of three days at Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Concerns about COVID-19 prompted the decision by organizer Keith Armour to hold a virtual event, rather than postponing until an in-person event was feasible. The typical 3-day format has been condensed down to one day, showcasing an impressive guest list, and panels on “Ghostbusters,” and Disney.
The Convention costs 3 British pounds, or the equivalent of $4.16, although some activities have an additional fee. Capital Sci-Fi Con is one of the only not-for-profit conventions in the world. All proceeds from the annual event support the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). The event offers a variety of events and activities. The popular Cosplay Competition will be held virtually. Categories include Adults 16+, Kids ages 0-15, Textile Costume, Armor Costume, Purchased Costume, and Character Portrayal. It costs 1 British pound per entry and entries require either a picture or video for submission. Instructions on how to pay for entries and additional information on the contest can be found here.
There will be Celebrity Guest Q&A throughout the day. Guests announced so far include Dee Tails and Miltos Yerolemou. Tails has a number of screen and theatre credits, but he is best known for his work in the Disney era Star Wars Universe. He appeared in “The Force Awakens” (Cratinus), “Rogue One” (L-1 Droid), and “Solo-A Star Wars Story” (Quay Tolsite). Yerolemou has appeared in “The Crown,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and dozens of stage performances. He will discuss his time on “Game of Thrones” during the Q&A. There will be four guests from “Ghostbusters.” Puppeteers Billy Bryan and Mark Bryan Wilson will attend. They designed and managed characters including the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man and Slimer. Costume actor Jim Fye, who performed as three different characters, will discuss his work on the film. Actress Robin Shelby who played Slimer, will also attend.
All four will appear on the 13th and will also participate in a special group panel on March 12th at 6pm GMT. The 90-minute panel on the 12th does have an additional fee of 5 British pounds. Four Disney Guests will attend. Animator Rick Farmiloe has 30 years’ experience in cartooning. His credits include work on “The Black Cauldron,” “Shrek,” “Rugrats,” “The Simpsons Movie” and four direct-to-DVD Tom and Jerry Films. Actress Linda Larkin will attend. Larkin is best known for playing Princess Jasmine in the 1992 “Aladdin” film. Actresses Eva Bella and Olivia Stubenrauch from the popular Disney film “Frozen” round out the list of Disney guests. The ladies are best known for voicing Young Elsa and Young Anna. All four actors will be taking part in a 90-minute Disney Q&A Panel Talk.
Additional guests include Lilly Aspell (Young Diana in “Wonder Woman 2017” and “WW84”), and “Star Wars” Droid builders Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples. Musical Guest Blues Harvest will provide entertainment with three 20-minute sessions throughout the day. In addition, there will be ‘How to Draw’ sessions and giveaways. General admission is 3 pounds. The “Ghostbusters” and Disney panels cost an additional 5 pounds. The event will run from 10 am to 10 pm GMT. Find tickets and additional information here. All proceeds go to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). CHAS is a not-for-profit organization that provides full family support services for babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. More information about CHAS can be found here.
Written by Michelle Haab
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson