Sci-Fi Weekender 15 was an absolute blast and as always we didn’t stop running around, today we are pleased to bring you news for SFW XVI in 2025 with new guest announcements and more.
After several years of maybes, and with team SFW working their magic behind the scenes … we’re delighted to announce that the Doctor, in the earthly form of none other than PAUL McGANN has been confirmed for SFW XVI!
The contract has been signed, the deal has been done, and, barring anything untoward, the 8th Doctor will be at the event, alongside his TV Movie companion DAPHNE ASHBROOK.
Paul is an English actor who came to prominence for portraying Percy Toplis in the television serial The Monocled Mutineer.  He then went on to star as the anonymous main character Marwood in the dark comedy Withnail and I, which was a critical success and developed a large cult following.Â
His other film appearances include The Monk, Dealers, Tree of Hands, the epic war film Empire of the Sun, The Three Musketeers and Alien 3.
He later became more widely known for portraying the eighth incarnation of the Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television film. He has reprised the role of the Eighth Doctor in an extensive series of audio plays by Big Finish Productions. As part of Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Paul finally reprised his on-camera role as the Eighth Doctor in the mini-episode ‘The Night of the Doctor’.
Perhaps his most iconic role since Doctor Who came in 2002, was when he appeared as David Talbot, a member of the secret organisation the Talamasca, in the film adaptation of the third story from Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, Queen of the Damned. He also gained acclaim for his portrayal of William Bush in the final four instalments of the television series Hornblower, based on the Horatio Hornblower books by C S Forrester.
In 2017, Paul joined the cast of the long-running BBC series Holby City, playing neurosurgeon John Gaskell. He continues to be a firm fan favourite with Holby City fans.
Less than 18 rooms are now available for the event, so get in fast if you want to be part of the world’s biggest and best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Festival!
How the Guest List is Looking So Far for SFW XVI
Alongside Paul and Daphne is JOHN SIMPKIN who is best known for playing the alien Klaatu in Return of the Jedi. Other appearances have been in Flash Gordon, The Monster Club, An American Werewolf in London and The Meaning of Life.
Daphne and John join our other already announced guests: CHRISTINA CHONG, NOAH HATHAWAY, TAV MACDOUGALL and Director MARCUS NISPEL.Â
Entertainment at SFW XVI
LIFE SIZED D+D
We are delighted to announce the hottest property in immersive gaming experiences – Life Sized D+D is coming to SciFi Weekender! Atmospheric scenery, exciting stories and encounters, engaging soundscape, player costumes, photo opportunities, real dungeon masters, monsters, traps and puzzles – and giant dice!! The Story Weavers are skilled artisans in the craft of narrative, shaping your tale and guiding you on an adventure lasting 30 minutes. Possessing ample experience in the realm of tabletop gaming, their passion for the craft extends beyond expertise— it is a heartfelt commitment to sharing the magic of tabletop experiences with diverse audiences at events and beyond!
PLEASE NOTE: This is a major installation with a big set-up – and the experience carries a surcharge of £10 per player per session (which is about what you’d spend at the bar in the same amount of time!)
“THE” SCIFI BAND
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE BIGGEST SCI-FI PHENOMENON OF THE CENTURY, THE GREATEST SPACE STORY EVER TOLD!
‘A short time ago, in a county far, far away … It is a period of civil unrest. Rebel musicians, striking from a hidden rehearsal room, have won their first victory against the huge Corporate Empire.
‘During the battle, the rebel band manages to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the karaoke bar, a soulless music station with enough power to destroy the entire history of popular music.
‘Pursued by the Empire’s sinister event organisers, Lead singer Leia races home aboard her tour bus, custodian of the stolen plans, hoping to save entertainment and restore real live music to the galaxy …’
Some of the finest musicians in the UK have come together to from this magnificently entertaining band. Their authentic stage show tribute to the Star Wars saga will leave an everlasting impression. The Sci-fi Band exploded onto the music scene in 2013 fully loaded and ready to rock! A huge repertoire of songs, and an eclectic mix of musical styles has seen them appearing at Star Wars events and exclusive parties worldwide.
KANOKA CLUB
Introducing the Bionicle Kanoka Club! Celebrating Lego’s legendary series of buildable action figures, the Kanoka Club features creators from our Bionicle community showcasing their work from custom builds to movie-quality art prints. Plus, we’ll be providing heaps of parts for you to build your own creations with.
So calling all Bionicle fans … we know you’re out there, so come and show us your Mocs at the Sci-Fi Weekender!
This is in addition to the already announced items: JUST A MINUTE!, JOHN ROBERTSON’S THE DARK ROOM, POP UP PUPPET CINEMA, QUIZ WITH QUINT, JOLLYBOAT and our resident video DJ LEVEL UP LEROY.
Cosplay
The Cosplay has been ramped up for 2025 – with truly inspirational guests, talks and panels, and as requested the return of the cosplay workshops. Tips and repairs, live demonstrations and all you could wish for as you polish up your EVA armour ready to take your turn in the famous SFW Cosplay competition!
TABITHA LYONS
Ever since she can remember, Tabitha has been playing Dungeons and Dragons, as well as running around and having fun participating in live-action role-playing. In 2012, she discovered the world of cosplay and hasn’t looked back! She now travels the world guesting at conventions as well as being able to teach a variety of skills at panels and judging craftsmanship cosplay competitions. As a full-time crafter and costumer, she brings characters and props to life! This can be from all forms of entertainment media – she has been commissioned by many of the biggest names in the Industry such as Warner Brothers, Marvel, Paramount, Amazon, Fortnite and Blizzard to name just a few, to bring their creations to life.
SAMII JINX
With 10 years of experience in the cosplay world, Samii Jinx joins us for a variety of panels, competitions and photo opportunities! Samii has worked and run a variety of geeky events over the years as well as being a self proclaimed nerd herself and now brings that wealth of knowledge to SciFi Weekender to focus on the cosplay and community aspects of our festival!
ARTYFAKES
With over 25Â years of experience in the prop making industry, Artyfakes provide face to face training for aspiring crafters to upgrade their skill set. With live demonstrations and advice for budding cosplayers throughout the weekend at their stand, Nic Samiotis will also be joining us for panels and as a cosplay judge. We are incredibly excited to be welcoming them back into the SFW fold!
Keep your eyes peeled here on Blazing Minds for more news for Sci-Fi Weekender SFW XVI and if you are going in 2025 then don’t forget to look out for us.
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.
