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Langford to host Island FanCon in April

Convention will host celebrities, cosplay, various workshops and more
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Sean Astin, Darth Vader and the 501st at Northern FanCon. The inaugural Island FanCon will come to Langford in April. (Art Submitted/ FanCon)

A surprise announcement and fans getting to meet with celebrity guests will be among the highlights when Island FanCon comes to Langford for the first time.

Attendees will be able to cosplay as their favourite characters, visit various workshops and immerse themselves in the world of fantasy and adventure at the event hosted at City Centre Park from April 13 to 14.

Island FanCon is the brainchild of Lonnie Eckardt after he participated in Prince George’s Northern FanCon.

“This isn’t just your typical event. It is an opportunity to galvanize culture and opportunities for the City of Langford,” said Eckardt.

“As a Westshore resident, it is profound to me to be able to bring that magic back to where I am raising my family.”

The convention will look very similar to the one that has taken place in Prince George for over a decade. That event has seen celebrities such as Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Trica Helfer, Kevin Smith and William Shatner.

Northern FanCon has also fostered a working relationship with the film industry. As a result, feature films, two television series pilots, countless short films and several music videos were filmed in the area.

Island FanCon has attracted two big sponsors so far, Viking Sales and Harris Dodge.

“Langford’s slogan is ‘Where it all Happens,’ and I am excited to see that spirit pulling together for an event of this scale,” said Kyle Bachman, general manager of Harris Dodge. “I saw firsthand the effect FanCon had on Prince George, and I know it’s going to be absolutely massive for the region here.”

A spokesperson from Viking Sales said they were happy to sponsor the Langford event and hope they can bring a memorable experience to the city.

“We’re not only brimming with excitement but also harbouring a mountain-sized surprise set to take the event to new heights.”

Tickets will go on sale Feb. 9. and can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. For more information about celebrities and events at the convention, fans will need to head to island.fancon.ca.

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