Pop-culture buffs have descended on Halifax for the biggest and geekiest Sci-Fi convention in Atlantic Canada.
Superheroes and superstars have dusted off their wigs and rolled out their capes as Hal-Con makes its full return after pandemic restriction years.
Cosplayers show off their characters at Hal-Con.
Director of Programming Fleurette Benoit tells our newsroom it’s about celebrating who you are.
“Hal-Con is special because we’re a community,” Benoit says. “It’s an inclusive and all-welcoming community. It’s a place to share your fandoms and actually be seen for who you are and celebrate it.”
Director of Programming Fleurette Benoit.
Cosplayer Tamika Grant says it feels good to see the event back at full capacity at the Halifax Convention Centre.
“I think everyone in Atlantic Canada can come here and express their passion for Geek stuff,” Grant says. “I was here last year and it was cut back due to the capacity limits but this year there’s just so much more.”
Cosplayer Tamika Grant.
Connor Hodgson arrived as a Sith Lord from Star Wars. He has been a fan of the franchise since childhood.
“I love Star Wars. It’s always been a passion of mine,” he says. “My dad showed me A New Hope when I was three. I’m 26 now and I still have my love and passion.”
He owns six lightsabers.
Connor Hodgson.
Meantime, the crowds couldn’t help but stop and stare at Stefan Kwirant’s stellar costume.
He was quick to respond as to why he was at Hal-Con.
“Just to embrace the nerd culture,” he reported laughingly.
He designed an LED backlit suit inspired by a popular Avenger.
“It’s a fully 3-D printed Iron Man costume. It’s kind of an Iron Man/Tron cross,” Kwirant explains. “It’s about a month and a half of work, of nonstop printing.”
Stefan Kwirant.
He was happy to be at the convention, saying it was easier to share your hobby with attendees this year because it was without pandemic restrictions. Guests have been free to mingle and aren’t required to wear masks.
The event was cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020, and scaled back in 2021.
This year more than 10,000 people are expected to show up to take in panels, work shops, and to meet their favourite celebrities over the three days. The event kicked off Friday.
(Photo: Skye Bryden-Blom)
Princess Bride star Cary Elwes is a big name at the event after fans asking for him to make an appearance for years.
Fan Scott Neily waited in line to attend a Q&A with the star.
“He’s an amazing actor. I got an autograph with him earlier and he was kind and very gracious.” Neily says.
Other notable guests include Graham McTavish of Outlander, Firefly actress Summer Glau, and Will Friedle of Boy Meets World.
