MCM London Comic Con
| MCM London Comic Con | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Pop culture, comics, science fiction, fantasy, anime, gaming |
| Frequency | Twice yearly |
| Venue | ExCeL London |
| Location(s) | London, England |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Inaugurated | May 2002 |
| Organized by | ReedPop |
| Website | Official website |
MCM London Comic Con is a British pop-culture convention held at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks area of London. The event is usually staged twice a year, with editions in May and October, and features comics, film, television, anime, gaming, cosplay, literature and other areas of popular culture.
The convention began in 2002 and was formerly known as the London Movies, Comics, and Media Expo and later the London MCM Expo. It became part of the ReedPop portfolio after ReedPop acquired MCM and its UK events in 2017.[1]
MCM describes the London event as one of the United Kingdom's largest comic and pop-culture conventions.[2]
History
The event originated as the London Movies, Comics, and Media Expo and was established in the early 2000s.
The first London event was held in May 2002. It initially operated as a smaller fan convention before expanding in both scale and duration.
Over time, the event developed into a three-day convention incorporating film, television, comics, anime, manga, video games, cosplay and celebrity appearances.
The show became known as the London MCM Expo before later adopting the name MCM London Comic Con.
The event has normally taken place twice a year at ExCeL London, with one convention during the spring and another during the autumn.
In October 2017, ReedPop acquired MCM and its associated events in the United Kingdom.
The convention temporarily experienced disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, including cancellation of the October 2020 edition.
Following the resumption of live events, MCM London continued its twice-yearly programme.
Venue
MCM London Comic Con is held at ExCeL London, an exhibition and convention centre situated at Royal Victoria Dock in the London Borough of Newham.
The venue contains large exhibition halls, conference spaces, stages and event facilities capable of supporting the convention's extensive programme.
The event occupies multiple areas of the venue and typically includes exhibition halls, panel stages, autograph and photography areas, gaming spaces, cosplay facilities and artist sections.
Convention format
MCM London Comic Con is held across three days, usually running from Friday to Sunday.
The convention combines commercial exhibitions with fan activities and live programming.
Regular elements include:
- Film and television guests
- Comic-book creators
- Anime and voice actors
- Video-game performers and developers
- Authors
- Cosplay competitions
- Artist Alley
- Independent creators
- Panels and Q&A sessions
- Autograph sessions
- Professional photo opportunities
- Gaming demonstrations
- Tabletop gaming
- Live performances
- Merchandise retailers
- Film and television promotional events
The convention also hosts fan-led panels, screenings and workshops.
Film and television
Film and television have formed a major part of MCM London's programme since the event's earliest years.
Actors from British and international television and film productions regularly attend for panel discussions, autograph sessions and professional photography.
Film studios, television networks and distributors have also used the convention to promote upcoming projects.
Panels may include cast appearances, previews, trailers, behind-the-scenes presentations and discussions with filmmakers.
Independent filmmakers and smaller production companies have also presented films and other screen-based projects at MCM-related events.
Comics
Comic books remain an important part of the convention.
Writers, artists and independent publishers appear within the convention's exhibition areas, including the Artist Alley section.
Creators sell original artwork, comics, prints and other material directly to attendees.
Major publishers and independent comic creators have both been represented at the event.
Anime and manga
Anime and manga form a significant part of the MCM London programme.
The event regularly hosts English-language voice actors, creators and personalities associated with anime productions.
Anime merchandise, manga publishing and cosplay have also become major components of the convention.
Gaming
Video games have become one of the convention's largest areas of activity.
MCM London has hosted game demonstrations, developer presentations, competitive gaming, live gameplay and panels involving actors and voice performers from major game franchises.
The 2026 event programme, for example, included gaming panels, live shows and presentations involving performers and creators from major video-game productions.[3]
Cosplay
Cosplay is one of the most visible aspects of MCM London Comic Con.
Thousands of attendees dress as characters from film, television, comics, anime, video games and other media.
The convention hosts cosplay competitions, stage events and organised gatherings.
Professional and amateur cosplayers also use the event for photography and community activities.
Artist Alley
The convention includes a dedicated Artist Alley for independent artists and creators.
Participants sell artwork, illustrations, prints, comics, books, craft items and other independently produced work.
Artist Alley has become an important element of the event for emerging illustrators and comic creators seeking to reach new audiences.
Celebrity guests
MCM London regularly hosts actors, performers, writers, artists and other figures from popular culture.
Celebrity guests participate in:
- Autograph sessions
- Professional photographs
- Meet-and-greets
- Stage interviews
- Audience question-and-answer sessions
- Cast reunions
- Promotional appearances
Guests have represented franchises from film, television, anime, comics and video games.
Panels and stages
MCM operates several stages during the convention.
Programming includes interviews, cast panels, fan discussions, author presentations, performances, workshops and previews of upcoming media.
Some high-demand sessions require reservations due to limited seating.[4]
The convention also accepts applications from fans and creators wishing to host panels or other programming.
Independent creators
Independent creators form a significant part of MCM London's exhibition programme.
Filmmakers, artists, authors, game developers and content creators have used the convention to present and promote their work.
The event has also served as a networking environment for people working within entertainment and creative industries.
Attendance
MCM London has attracted large crowds as the convention has expanded.
The May 2016 event recorded reported attendance of more than 130,000 visitors across the convention period.[5]
Attendance figures vary between individual editions.
MCM London in 2026
MCM London continued to operate twice during 2026.
The spring convention was scheduled for 22–24 May 2026 at ExCeL London.
The autumn convention was scheduled for 23–25 October 2026 at ExCeL London.[6]
The October 2026 show included programming covering gaming, anime, television, film, independent creators and cosplay.[7]
Tickets
MCM London offers a range of ticket types, which may include general admission, priority entry, weekend tickets and VIP packages.
Ticket structures and prices vary between events.
Priority and VIP passes allow earlier entry than standard admission during designated periods.[8]
Mobile app
MCM provides an official mobile application for attendees.
The app includes schedules, guest announcements, exhibitor information, maps and personalised event planning.
It has also been used for interactive activities such as convention treasure hunts.[9]
Cultural impact
MCM London has become an established part of British fan culture.
The convention brings together communities associated with comics, science fiction, anime, gaming, cosplay and film.
Its growth has reflected the increasing mainstream popularity of fan conventions and franchise entertainment in the United Kingdom.
The event also provides a platform for independent creators alongside established media companies and celebrity guests.
See also
- Comic convention
- London Film and Comic Con
- San Diego Comic-Con
- New York Comic Con
- ReedPop
- ExCeL London
- Cosplay
- Anime convention
- Science fiction convention
References
- ↑ "ReedPOP Acquires UK's Largest Pop Culture Conventions". Forbes. Missing or empty
|url=(help) - ↑ "About MCM London Comic Con". MCM Comic Con.
- ↑ "Revealing Our Gaming Highlights for October". MCM Comic Con. 23 September 2026.
- ↑ "MCM Panel and Session Reservations". MCM Comic Con.
- ↑ "MCM Comic Con London". Wikipedia.
- ↑ "MCM Comic Con 2026 Dates". MCM Comic Con. 4 December 2025.
- ↑ "MCM London". MCM Comic Con.
- ↑ "MCM London Tickets". MCM Comic Con.
- ↑ "MCM London Mobile App". MCM Comic Con.
