Monopoly Events - Comic Con Manchester Avis 40

Having been to this convention in 2023 and attending again in 2025 I can easily say it’s gone very downhill.

In 2023 the venue was bigger, colder and less crowded. There was a lot of cool independent vendors, good props set out, a large area for retro gaming and even live body painting. The guests were fantastic but, unfortunately Christian serratos cancelled which I had booked and it took a very long time to get my money refunded, but other than that it was fantastic and great to meet some actors. Overall 2023 was fun, we even met the organisers and they seemed so passionate about this con!

So I decided to go back this year…

The first red flag walking in was that there was absolutely no back or weapons checking. This is extremely dangerous not just for the Staff and celebrities but the general public attending. There were no wristbands or stamps either to confirm you had a ticket so no way of re entry if you left which was very poor. The people scanning tickets also seemed to not know what they were doing and did let people through without scanning tickets. Then, when we got into the venue we could barely move or see where anything was it was so badly crowded. It was much smaller than last time and seemed to have over double the attendees. There was also no air con or access to water, which for the time of year when it’s already hot was needed, especially for those of us in cosplay. When we finally made our way to the vendors it was terrible, all of them barring maybe one small one seemed to be corporate vendors with mass produced crap. The weapons stall was very underwhelming as well, the last time I attended it was a large table with many replica weapons. This time it was a tiny cramped stall with plastic swords and a couple replica guns. And because of the crowding you could barely see the stalls to get anything, I missed out on getting a few things just because I couldn’t get to the stalls. As for the guests, Christian serratos cancelled again this year…. Monopoly events gave the option to change the ticket to a new actor though with a partial refund and it was dealt with very quickly which was good. The actors themselves were probably the only good thing about this event, after queuing up four separate times for at least 30 minutes each time I got to see four walking dead actors and they were amazing and friendly and very professional in comparison to the other staff. However after waiting around for hours just for these photos with literally nothing else to do at this con I was exhausted and bored. Unless there is an actor I really want to meet I will not be going back to Comicon Manchester, it’s just not worth it for how unsafe, overbooked and boring it has become.

We visited Manchester Comic Con on 26/07/25. The staff and other visitors were all so friendly. Unfortunately the venue was just too small for the amount of people there. It was very difficult to see the stalls as it was very cramped. There was no air con which was really needed especially for us that were wearing cosplay. It was a shame as the event had so many good guests and film props but due to the limited space in the venue and the heat we weren't able to stay and make the most of the day that we had been so excited for. The venue needs to be changed if not then a limit to how many tickets are sold and air con is essential.

I went to Manchester comicon on 26th July 2025 went to meet Ricky tomlinson it was a really good day got a picture and autograph didn't feel rushed ricky tomlinson spent about 5 minutes with each of his fans which was good it was a busy day but everything ran smoothly nice friendly staff that was happy to help would go again

went here with 2 friends on the Sunday after we spent the Saturday at megacon and wanted to experience a different convention, absolutely horrible experience!!

- nobody checked our bags or gave us a wrist band / stamp for a day pass, we just had our ticket scanned and had no way of re-entering if we decided to leave to catch a break outside
- INSANELY crowded, consistently stuck in foot traffic and trying to get past people, didn't help that the amount of people made the place so hot and overwhelming
- crowding meant that you barely had a chance to visit any of the vendors stalls as the front was just packed with people, good luck trying to queue because you'd be pushed away in the foot traffic!
- loads of people sat against a wall or a curb, 0 suitable places to rest and there were several people smoking/vaping indoors
- i came here in cosplay and was expecting at least a somewhat professional cosplay competition category, but you could basically dress up a rock as a Spiderman and enter it as there was no pre judging (fun for families sure, but speaking from the POV of a cosplayer this was very disappointing)
- 1/2 OF THE ENTIRE CONVENTION SPACE WAS BASICALLY A QUEUE FOR SIGNINGS!!
- absolutely nothing to do in the meantime, random props were just put in the middle of an open space
- 5 arcade machines tucked away in the corner, that was the source of entertainment for 5k+ attendees
- we didn't get food here, but we heard it was almost impossible to get a good meal or even some water

this place was an awful rebirth of the wonka experience, avoid at all costs!!

megacon is SO much more recommended, talking from experience!!

We did enjoy our day. however there was no bags checked on entry i was pulling a large trolly and wasn,t searched at all thats a red flag for me as anyone could of brought absoloutly anythin into that venue i dread to think what could have happend. There
was no drinks sold at any of the food vans ive never had that before drinks should always be sold with food esp water We couldnt find any anywere We did find a stall but all it sold was high energy sugar rubbish. There was nowere to sit and eat your food it was disapointing watching
everyone having to sit on the floor or stand against the wall to eat. We were desperate
to sit down for a rest after walking around
we had to sit on some steps but were
moved away from them. I only wish there
was more sets i enjoyed looking at them but
there wasn,t enough of them. i found it was
missing some cosplay acting ect. The main
room was quiet empty with not much goin on tbh.. what made it for us was all the
other guests dressed in cosplay it was
amazing to see everyones efforts.
Unfortunatly it was over for us within 2
hours as there was nothing left to do once
we walked round had somethin to eat and
bought our merchandise. so We wont be
goin back to manchester again. We have
been told liverpool is much much better..
And more adequate..

Was super crowded with nothing to do, went to get food only to pay £7 for the blandest hot dog possible after waiting 20 mins in line and immediately rushed off before I could add my sauces and hadn't even received my full order yet, no where to sit as they had about 5 benches in a corner so basically everyone was sat behind stalls just to have somewhere to eat, went to get something to drink at bar to help with nerves only to have to pay £10 for a half cup of vodka and knock off coke, went to go check out stalls only for it too be too crowded to move, honestly surprised no one got hurt, was separated from my group multiple times just trying to walk around corners, there was no air conditioning, everyone in the building was relying on an open door on the other side of the room and this is in july its hot, other then the celebrities there was not any reason to go, we left not even an hour after arriving -10/10 do not recommend, I heard mega con is better, will probably go there next time, its cheaper too

The choice of venue for this event could not be worse. I found that it was significantly overbooked and the space provided not big enough. Considering this event happens at the end of July, the temperature can be unbearable in parts of the building as they have way too many people packed in such a small space.

Alongside this, Megacon happens a 25 minute journey away by Tram in a venue that is appropriately sized with a lot more to do. The only thing better about this convention is the number of celebrities there were available to meet (although a few canceled on short notice).

In the end we quickly left (not before queuing for 15 minutes as the exit gate was being blocked by the long queue for the few food vendors) and went to Megacon in central Manchester.

Unsafe! Seen better security at the village fair…

Initially thought that it was the quickest entry to a convention ever, ‘perfect’. But then realised that no one scanned my ticket or checked my bags. Which means that the organisers didn’t know how many people were inside the building at any one time and what had been brought into the arena.

To explain what this means…no record of when the venue was at capacity as tickets could have been sent to others as they didn’t scan QR codes. Any evacuations could have resulted in people not being able to escape safely and quickly.

No bag checks. anyone can bring anything in. Literally anything. I could have brought real swords or worse… this is the biggest failing at convention I’ve ever seen. You are potential playing with peoples lives!

If you want to go to a convention perhaps choose an alternative to this one.

I’d like to acknowledge some positives first:
- Guests: these are great cons for oversea guests and current shows/franchises, I was very excited to see The Boys and my boyfriend was happy with the GTA panel
- Props: great props, some were a bit underwhelming but the main cars and Star Wars bits were great
- Cantina bar: very impressed with the look of the bar

From the moment we arrived we were greeted with red flags. There were no bag checks, weapon/prop checks, no one told us to not bring our own food and drink and this really alarmed us. The staff didn’t seem very concerned or knowledgeable of their roles, better briefing maybe needed for the next one?

The price of the entry I just can’t believe anymore, £28 for the Saturday 9am entry when it’s £18 for MegaCon and is much bigger in its venue! It feels like as the owner of MegaCon used to run Comic Con it’s almost intentional that they’re on the same weekend :/

Extreme downsize from the last convention hall it used to be in the city centre. I was super disappointed with the amount of space there was for stalls and weren’t many independent sellers! All Funko Pop and mystery bags, my brother actually left after 1 loop around and went to MegaCon instead.

The space for food stalls outside was extremely crowded and small, although we did enjoy our food! We couldn’t find any seats and the ones which were at the venue lacked in numbers and most people had to sit on the floor. My boyfriend was in a lot of pain and could not find any seats as there were so little of them, and wished we brought camping chairs as others were allowed to bring them in.

No air con throughout the venue so it was muggy and uncomfortably warm in there, despite having some gates open for airflow we weren’t allowed to step outside. They only brought a fan in the cantina in the afternoon.

I don’t think I’ll be coming to this convention again if it’s at this venue for future events, although if you’re mainly there for guests it gets the job done.

Went in the vendor hall to experience an unconditioned and crowded area where unfortunately more than half of the stalls were dropshippers and funko pops. I was really disappointed by how few original vendors were there (Dead Cats Club and Dragonfly Creative Arts were two good ones that I remember off the top of my head) since I was really looking forward to seeing a variety of artists' products.
Cosplayers were in abundance though and the cosplay show seemed quite good. They had about 5 arcade games that didn't have much space between them, with a couple tables of older games in another area for people to try.
I don't see myself attending Manchester Comicon again unfortunately. (The extra star is for the original sellers and cosplayers.)

Great atmosphere, lots do to do for a cheap entry price. Will be going again

What a rip of, nearly £30 to get in, £45 for a picture you take yourself on your own phone and £35 a signature and some cash only. Wont ever go again

I had an absolutely fantastic time this weekend at Comic Con Manchester! There was so much to see and do. From meeting your favorite celebrities to diving into exciting panel discussions, the event had it all. The community spirit was amazing, and I met so many wonderful people. A huge shoutout to all the staff for being so helpful and friendly, which really added to the great vibe. The cosplay this year was fantastic—people really outdid themselves! The traders' hall was bustling with great finds. Meeting Sarah Wayne Callies and David Morrissey was definitely the highlight of my weekend. Overall, an incredible event and I can’t wait for next year!

I had such a great weekend at the convention, yes it was busy and yes it was very hot but the atmosphere and guests were fantastic! The Monopoly team smashed it once again.

Highly recommend for all fans of pop culture! See you next year

We only bought tickets for this as Rainn Wilson, Catherine Tate and Karen Gillan were all headlining. My daughter is obsessed with The Office and loves Jumanji......we bought an additional ticket just for her to meet Rainn Wilson - and then all three cancelled!

Manchester comic con, amazing again. Such an awesome vibe. Staff are helpful and friendly. Loved the cosplay this year, people’s efforts are amazing! Traders hall was great, a little too busy at times but that is to be expected for such an incredible event.
Meeting Arthur Darvill was my highlight.

Amazing weekend at Mcr comic con. Organisation was amazing and despite it being very busy. It never felt too crowded compared to other conventions I’ve attended from other companies in the past. See you next year guys.

Fantastic weekend, all the guests were amazing with fans and the atmosphere was awesome! Looking forward to next year!

Had an amazing time meeting all the walking dead guests and can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Very, very good convention experience! I worked at the event and it was very smoothly organised and run well. I had an amazing weekend and everyone was so kind and lovely