This past weekend, extra-ordinary people in the region quietly reminded us what joy, community and belonging can look like in the North East. Held every Easter and Halloween, Nerd Fest is a growing fan convention that brings together artists, families, stallholders, and cosplayers from across the North East. At first glance, it’s easy to focus on the nostalgia, lightsabres, 90s TV icons, hand-painted swords and Pokémon plushies, but spend any time in the venue and it becomes clear that this is about something deeper. These are spaces for connection. Community. And joy.
This was my sixth time attending – usually suited up as Spider-Man, mask on, happily blending into the crowd. But this year, I left the mask off. I wanted to really see the event – not just the stalls and the costumes, but the people and the stories they brought with them. That’s not to say I turned up in civvies. I came dressed as Chief Jim Hopper from Stranger Things, joined by my teenage daughter, who made a brilliant Eleven. If you know the show, you’d spot the reference straight away – if not, you might’ve just thought we were channelling some serious 1980s energy for the day.
Shining with stars
Held at Gateshead International Stadium, guests this year included Doctor Who legend Sylvester McCoy, who brought warmth and humour to every interaction, and Diane Youdale, better known as Jet from 90s cult TV show Gladiators, who took time with every single person she met. Unlike some fleeting appearances at other conventions, Diane stayed present, chatted with fans, signed memorabilia, and spoke with genuine affection for the event and the region.
“I’m inspired to meet the fans and families that take to heart shows and entertainment from their childhood,” Diane told me. “It’s wonderful to hear how shows and characters have shaped the childhood of so many.”
Meanwhile, Hugh Spight, a seasoned performer from Jim Henson’s team and puppeteer behind characters in Return of the Jedi, reflected on his career in both film and theatre. His name may have been misspelled as “Hugh Spirit” in the original credits, but his impact was unforgettable.
“In many ways, my story’s like that of a real-life Billy Elliot,” Hugh said. “I developed a passion for adventure and dancing, and others gave me these opportunities.”
He spoke about the importance of encouragement, telling guests to look out for the “flippers in your life, the people who give you momentum, direction and support. Just like in pinball, sometimes a small nudge can launch someone into something amazing.”
Hugh described how Nerd Fest has become one of his favourite events to attend: a place not just for signing autographs, but for sharing stories, laughter and connections that stay with you long after the day ends.
Crafting community
For all the excitement of meeting pop culture legends, the heart of the event was the people who turned up to share what they love.
There were hundreds of fans in costume from giant Transformers to intricately armoured Stormtroopers. One independent trader at the event told me that it was a joy to be at the event and take part in helping to build the community.
Among the most memorable moments was meeting Xander Hughes, aged six, who turned heads as a Minecraft chicken jockey, complete with hand-painted papier-mâché mount. “Dressing up is great fun. Come on and do it!” he shouted from his Minecraft chicken, before adding that he was mostly here “to buy Lego.”
Then there was the Castle Coven, a self-proclaimed “girl gang of nerdy witches” from Newcastle who hosted the cosplay competition with humour, warmth and glitter. Castle Coven is more than a group of friends; they’re a community hub of sorts. They organise meetups, host panels, and encourage younger fans to find their voice through costume and craft. They create a space where everyone is welcome, whether they have spent months crafting armour or just turned up in a Pokémon onesie. That spirit of playful encouragement carried through the whole day.
The cosplay competition, hosted on the main stage, was full of laughter, applause and the occasional improvised performance. It’s in this space that you are likely to see a Darth Vader dancing the macarena. But in this competition people are not judged – they are celebrated.
Cosplaying North
There is a name of boys like Xander and men like me. Geek and nerd don’t quite do it justice.
Cosplayers, short for “costume play”, is far more than fancy dress. It’s a form of self-expression, of stepping into a story. While cosplay is commonly associated with conventions and fan gatherings, it extends beyond the stage into a vibrant subculture where enthusiasts connect, collaborate, and celebrate shared interests. Inspirations range from anime, comics, video games, and TV shows to music icons, internet memes, and even entirely original characters.
Interestingly, the term “cosplay” has even made its way into political slang, sometimes used to critique people who are seen as adopting roles or personas without authenticity. But at Nerd Fest, there is nothing disingenuous about it. Here, cosplay is about passion for characters and community.
That was clear in every interaction I had. And perhaps even clearer in those I simply witnessed: a parent tying the back of a cape for their child; a group of teenagers huddled over a phone to perfect a TikTok video of their ensemble; a baby smiling from their pushchair at a ten – foot tall Transformer.
Beyond reality
In a world where the news can feel relentlessly heavy, and where the North East is so often presented through the lens of hardship, events like this matter. Not because they offer escape, but because they offer reminders. Of joy. Of imagination. Of the good things that happen when people feel safe enough to show up as themselves.
Nerd Fest does this so well.
Nerd Fest is welcoming, affordable, and run by people who prioritise connection over profit. It’s the kind of event where someone will patch up your costume with duct tape and a smile, where kids can witness adults embrace their playful side, and where uniqueness isn’t just accepted – it’s celebrated. It won’t come as a surprise that the proceeds from the event go to Cash for Kids North East, supporting children, young people, and families facing hardship. In recent years, Nerd Fest has raised thousands of pounds, making a real difference for those in need across the region.
That’s what stuck with me most. I was there with my teenage daughter, who spent the day in costume too. She’s been parented all her life by a geeky-dad, but she’s also at that age where it can feel like there’s a spotlight on you all the time. Watching her relax, pose for photos, and chat with other fans was something I cherish.
And it wasn’t just her. I met Rei, 17, eating lunch with her friends, dressed as a character I didn’t recognise. But this doesn’t matter. She told me she keeps coming back because, “The best thing about this event is being part of a community. I love it!”
Phoenix, 20, a sociology student, added, “The best thing about this event is you can actually be yourself!”
We talked about the heavy themes in Netflix’s Adolescence series and how media can sometimes feel like a mirror we don’t want to look into. But Nerd Fest, she says, offers something different.
Phoenix says, “You can step into cosplay to step into another skin. You can become something larger than yourself.”
There was a quiet honesty in that.
These events don’t just offer escape, they offer possibility. They create a space where difference is celebrated and everyone is welcome. And I think we do this particularly well in the North East.
The North East faces real and pressing challenges. But it’s also full of extraordinary humans doing extraordinary things. And sometimes, you’ll find them in capes, helmets, or surrounded by pixelated chickens.
So next time you hear someone dismiss fandom or roll their eyes at cosplay, tell them this: Nerd Fest is not just an event. It’s a community. A place of belonging. A space to be celebrated, not just seen. And up here in the North, we could all use more stories like this.
Perhaps next time you might like to join us.
And the best part? No one here will judge you, even if you are wearing a cape.
Find out more about Nerd Fest by visiting their community on Facebook
🎃 Join the Fun at Nerd Fright Fest 2025! 👻
If this blog has made you smile, why not come along to the next event?
🗓 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (BST)
📍 Location: The Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields, United Kingdom
[🗺 View on map]
Get ready for a spooktacular day out for all the family—packed with movie props, video games, special guests, geeky traders, live magic, mayhem, and of course, the return of the brilliant Castle Coven cosplay competition! Whether you come in costume or just to soak it all in, you’ll be warmly welcomed.
✨ Bring your imagination, your friends, and your best spooky look—no judgment, even if you show up in full cape and mask.
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