In this special episode of OH!CAST, we welcome Alan and Hannah from Fleetwood Community Comic Con — now officially twinned with OH!CON — for a deep dive into the wild, wonderful world of DIY convention-building. Hosted by Cal MacDonald and joined by OH!CON co-founders Kathleen and John, this episode is a celebration of what happens when passion, grit, and geek culture collide in the most unexpected corners of the UK.

From horror zones and cosplay congas to lollipop giveaways and comic book workshops, Fleetwood’s first-ever community con pulled off the impossible: a free, inclusive, activity-packed event that drew over 2,500 attendees and left a lasting impact on its town. We talk about the logistics, the chaos, the volunteers, and the sheer emotional weight of building something from scratch — and why doing it for the community, not for profit, changes everything.

Expect stories of:

• 🧟‍♂️ 50 zombies and pro scare actors transforming Marine Hall into a full-blown quarantine zone
• 🎨 Free creative workshops with horror authors, comic artists, and puppet-wielding presenters
• 🦖 Baby dinosaurs, mermaids, and a DJ-led cosplay Konga to “Agadoo”
• 🕹️ Retro arcade setups, board game clubs, and scavenger hunts for all ages
• 🧵 Cosplayers gaining confidence, creatives landing gigs, and volunteers discovering new paths

We also reflect on the shared struggles of running events in remote or underfunded areas — from ferry costs and table logistics to the fear that no one will show up in costume — and how both cons have built something bigger than themselves by leaning into local identity, mutual support, and a bit of chaos magic.

Whether you’re a con runner, a cosplay nerd, or just someone who loves hearing about grassroots brilliance, this one’s for you.

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