It’s been another superb year at Sci-Fi Weekender as we descended on the Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth, for SFX XVI for a packed weekend of live music, comedy, cosplay, and so much more at the biggest festival for Science fiction and Horror fans to attend. This year, we arrived a day early (on the Wednesday) to get ready for a packed weekend of photography and fun, plus the chance to meet SFW‘s new host with the most the brilliant Afro Pierre (featured image) who took that time to pose for some great shots on and off the stage.
The Sci-Fi Weekender (SFW) XVI took place from March 20 to 23, 2025, in Great Yarmouth. We knew that this year would be one that would be extremely busy after seeing the updated guest list, and you could feel the excitement even more as attendees arrived on site. The SFW Troopers, which are a selection of attendees that have been given the “Trooper” status for attending so many of the events, were the first few to arrive, and this year, there was a special night for Troopers to attend to get to know more about what was happening and some some Wednesday evening entertainment including a special edition of Who’s Line is it Anyway in memory of Tony Slattery who was to be attending this year, but sadly passed away.
For those that have never attended SFW and are thinking of doing so, the event is aimed at bringing together fans of science fiction and fantasy by offering a platform for enthusiast to engage with guests and others, participate in the immersive experiences and to celebrate their love with a community that has since become a “family” of friends that spend a weekend together at the “Geek Camp“.
SFW XVI Guests
This year saw some amazing guests for fans to chat with, including Paul McGann, who many will know for portraying the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 movie Doctor Who, and Daphe Ashebrook, who co-starred with Paul, was also along to give fans some Whovian fun. Fans of the amazing movie The NeverEnding Story were treated to an appearance throughout the weekend from Noah Hathaway, horror fans got to chat with the 2003 movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre director Marcus Nispel. Carolyn Seymour, best known for portraying the role of Abby Grant in the BBC series Survivors (1975) and Queen Myrrah in the Gears of War franchise, also brought along some fantastic insights during her Q&A on the stage. Stuntman Billy Clements, who many may have seen as “The Russian” in Deadpool & Wolverine, was a fascinating watch in his Q&A, chatting about the amazing stunt work that he has been involved with in the movies.
But Wait! There’s More!
One of the many things that newcomers to the Sci-Fi Weekender love is that this is not a Comic-Con; this is a festival that show the love for many Sci-Fi generes, along with guests signing, doing a meet & greet, taking to the stage for chats and Q&As, you will find the guests walking around and taking the time to talk to the attendees and this is something that I have always loved about SFW. It’s a chance for everyone to meet each other, become friends and keep in touch after a wild weekend in Great Yarmouth.
If you are an avid reader looking to expand your library or connect with other book lovers, “Author Central” is the perfect place. You can find signed copies of your favorite books and chat with authors to learn more about their writing processes and inspirations. Additionally, authors host engaging Q&A sessions on the weekends, providing an opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into their work. I have to say that it’s always a pleasure to catch up with Raven Dane, Bryony Perce, Samantha Lee Howe and David J Howe during the weekend and to be introduced to their fellow writers to chat with and get five minutes to slow down.
This year, the festival featured live music from “The Sci-Fi Band,” celebrated for their tribute to the Star Wars saga. Their performance provided an authentic experience that resonated with fans. Additionally, the steampunk musical duo Victor and the Bully brought a unique flair to the lineup. We also were treated to the long-awaited return of the superb Jolly Boat for their pirate-based tunes.
Participants took part in life-sized Dungeons & Dragons sessions, which provided immersive gaming experiences with captivating scenery and engaging storylines. The event also featured “The Dark Room,” an interactive comedy game show by John Robertson that combined retro-gaming with active audience participation.
SFW cosplayers are a delight to watch and meet during the festival. This year featured workshops and panels led by renowned cosplayers Tabitha Lyons and Samii Jinx. These sessions offered valuable insights into costume creation, live demonstrations, and opportunities for fans to showcase their craftsmanship.
SFW takes everything we love about movies, etc and brings it all to us in one package that keeps us entertained far more than arriving in a hall full of people signing and being pushed into the next queue. SFW brings us live music, comedy with stand-up from the likes of the very funny George Coppen, who I have to say knows how to party on the last night when Levelup Leroy takes to the stage with his decks. This year saw Mando himself introducing Leroy to the stage.
You Want More!
SFW has been bringing us something extra on a Thursday night for a few years now. The SFW Awards is a fantastic evening for not on the guests but also attendees to dress up and tread the Red Carpet as they get photographed going through to take their seats for a night of gongs and entertainment. Myself and my other photography team spent the Red Carpet taking the photos and believe me when I say that it’s very tiring but at the same time it’s so much fun.
And the SFW Award Winners Are
Artist of the year
Simon Davis << winner
Boo Cook
Pye Parr
Glenn Fabry
Favourite 80’s sci-fi Series
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Star Trek – YNG << winner
Quantum leap
Blakes 7
Dr Who
SFW Master Act
Pop-up Puppet Cinema << winner
Experimental Sonic Machines
Graham Graham Beck
Jolly Boat
Best Rebooted Horror Villain
Pennywise
Leatherface << winner
Jason
Chucky
Favourite Author
C J Tudor
Raven Dane << winner
Bryony Pearce
Lauren K Nixon
Most Outstanding Trooper
Julian Roberts
Pete Turner
Viki Gray << winner
Accolades
SFW Hero – John Robertson
SFW Legend – Noah Hathaway
SFW Mystery – 8th Doctor and Dr Grace Holloway
A massive thank you to the entire SFW crew and team! It has been an honor to cover such an incredible event that has become one of my passions over the years. I am already looking forward to doing it all over again in 2026 for SFW XVII. I hope to see many familiar faces as well as some new ones in Great Yarmouth from March 19th to 22nd, 2026. If you would like to attend, head over to the Dark Watch website to find out how you can book your tickets now!
Just In! First Announcements for Sci-Fi Weekender SFW XVII
From The Descent, Howl, Mutant Chronicles and Filth, amongst many others we have the amazing actress SHAUNA MACDONALD. Shauna also starred in The Descent Part 2, Spooks, Sea of Souls, Bonekickers, Ripper Street, Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, The Cry, Dangermouse, The Nest, Outlander, Mayflies, and most recently The Scotts.
JOSHUA LOU FRIEDMAN heads to SFW. Josh has worked in film and television production since 1991, and today commonly serves as Assistant Director on a wide range of independent features.
DANIEL ROEBUCK is known for The Fugitive and its spin-off U.S. Marshals, as well as Agent Cody Banks and Terrifier 3 (you do know the scene right!).
CAROLINE WILLIAMS played Stretch in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film series. Her other film roles include Alamo Bay (1985), The Legend of Billie Jean (1985), Stepfather II (1989), Days of Thunder (1990), Leprechaun 3 (1995), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Halloween II (2009), and Hatchet III (2013).
CHRISTINA NICHOLLS is an incredible voice-over artist on Suspense radio, in Star Wars animated films (including Cyslin Myr in Star Wars: Jedi Republic: Mace Windu, and the TV series Darth Vader playing Queen Trios).
AARON DAVID JOHNSON started acting in 2011 in the TV series The Defenders. This was followed by the time travel comedy film Detention. Other roles have included the TV Movie Deadly B&B, the TV series Happy!, the film Fat Ass Zombies and the feature Ick, directed by Joseph Kahn.
See you all in 2026, and remember…. #ItsFamilyBaby.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
