I’ve been doing the prestigious Sci-Fi Weekender events since SFW4 and this year I was honoured to be one of the official photographers for the SFW Awards at SFW X, the 10th Sci-Fi Weekender that opened its doors at its brand new venue in Great Yarmouth.

With the move from Pwllheli to Great Yarmouth came a momentous road trip and the Blazing Minds team/family hit the road at 6 am to travel to what has become THE event to be part of in the country and it’s still the best SciFi Festival in the UK, a place for geeks and nerds to get together in what has now become a massive SFW Family get together.

Our convoy of three cars arrived at Great Yarmouth around 1:30 pm and upon arrival, we were easily sorted out with keys to the rather luxurious caravan that we were stopping in, plus the lanyards and wristbands. This year I gained an extra lanyard as SFW X was my first year as Trooper, a member of a group of people that have not only been to loads of the SciFi Weekenders but have also supported the events over the years in some way or another, suffice to say it’s an honour to be a member.

SFW X had a fantastic guest list and acts, giving a touch of geekiness entertainment for everyone Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers) Tom Paton, Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Frazer Hines, Bryony Pearce, David J Home, Samantha Lee Howe and Raven Dane, there was also a great line of acts with Elvis Dead, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, Henge, John Robertson’s The Dark Room and of course resident DJ, Level Up Leroy plus lots more.

As I mentioned earlier, this year saw the very first SFW Awards, much like the HRH Awards that I attended a couple of years ago, the SFW Awards were voted by the SFW Family and on Thursday night I was honoured to have been chosen to be one of the official photographers for the Red Carpet, working alongside HRH photographer Simon Dunkerly was a true treat and a privilege to work with such a brilliant event photographer.

What a rush, the Red Carpet was an experience as geeks and nerds stopped by the SFW Awards backdrop for their photos to be taken on such a special night, the pressure was certainly on to do well and to produce some moments for not only my website but also for the SFW Magazine and the evening.

Guests were coming past in their posh outfits and some even geeked it up with some rather special Halloween style Cosplay, although the theme was Tarantino, everyone opted to do the Red Carpet in their own styles and passions and they looked amazing.

After the Red Carpet, it was time for everyone to take to their tables in the Main Void and kick back with free Red and White Wine and enjoy the evening of Awards and entertainment.

Winners of the First SFW Awards

The SFW Legend award went to the amazing Brian Blessed

SFW Space Lord award went to Gil Gerrard.

SFW Literary Legend award went to the late Tanith Lee.

SFW’s best author Adrian Tchaikovsky

The SFW’s Rising Star awards went to Tom Paton.

Best TV series was Doctor Who.

Winner of the SFW artist was Simon Bisley.

The master act of @scifiweekender went to The Dark Room.

The best Doctor Who was Sylvester McCoy

I’m in the SFW Magazine

This year also saw the launch of the very first SFW Magazine and it’s been a true honour to join David J Howe, Robin Pierce, James King, Raven Dane and more in having a few of my movie reviews and my interview with the brilliant John Robertson and talk to him about The Dark Room.

SFW X was an amazing weekender and the although there was the 7.5 hours drive to the new location in Great Yarmouth, that really didn’t dampen our spirits when we arrived at the Vauxhall Holiday Park and it seems the same to many of the SFW Family that were attending this new location for Geekcamp.

With everything being under one roof, more was happening than in previous SFW events, with interviews on several stages, the launch of the SFW Magazine, music, Q&As and almost anything and everything that any geek and nerd would want to see.

And let’s not forget the Cosplayers that were attending SFW X, everyone puts in their passions for these amazing looks and this year was no exception, plus this year my wonderful friends, Lolly and Will Tomlinson-Roberts won the Cosplay competition with their stunning Belle and Prince Adam (Beast) cosplay.

SFW X was an amazing event and the new venue is one that I will enjoy returning to again and again, so now it’s just the wait for SFW XI in April 2020, see you there.

Karen Woodham

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.

blazingminds.co.uk