Comic-con proves a massive hit

Ham Fest for superheroes at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham. Spiderman from the Green Future Foundation played by Joe Stones outside the QE Hall.

5 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM was the setting for fierce superhero battles, a Dalek invasion and mystical magic spells this weekend at the town's first ever comic convention.

Zombies, princesses and wookies joined superheroes big and small for Ham Fest at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Saturday.

Even the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan, and Mayoress Di joined in with the fun on stage.

They were surrounded by dozens of cosplayers who had come dressed as characters from films, books and video games.

Geeks and sci-fi fans both young and old had the joy of snapping pictures with their favourites at the event, while enjoying a variety of entertainment on offer.

Mini Hulk Zach Davies (5) took on the mighty Loki (Chris Kemp of The Geek Asylum) and quickly vanquished his foe.

Zach said: "I love all the Avengers.

"My favourite part of the day has been taking pictures with the superheroes."

Brave Masie (4) and Millie Pringle (8) weren't scared to meet the formidable sea witch Ursula from Disney's The Little Mermaid, and even held snakes at the Curious Critters display,

Mum Ruth said: "We've never been to a comic festival before but we are very impressed.

"The costumes are fantastic and everybody has been keen to involve the children and take pictures with them."

Other entertainment included a recreated set of the Honeydukes sweet shop from the Harry Potter series and cars Cars K.I.T.T. (Knight Rider) and Lightning McQueen (Disney Pixar).

Prizes for the best costumes were also awarded by The Geek Asylum, a community with 8,000 Facebook members, who regularly attend comic festivals and events to help raise money for charity,

A variety of unique gifts an items were also for sale and gamers had the chance to play some of the newest video games.

Craig and Gemma Horn, from Shaw, brought their superheroes Rhys (4) and Daniel (7) along to the event.

Gemma said: "The boys love superheroes so they are excited to meet them all.

"Although Craig loves the films and comic books just as much so he's happy to be here too."

Organisers Loz Copping and Chris Lack, said: "We are so happy with how it turned out we would like to thank all our geeks for their help and support in making the day a big success.

"We hope to see everyone again all at the next one."

A collection was also held during the event with the £200 raised going to Link4Pink, an appeal that supports the Victoria Breast Unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

• All our pictures from Ham Fest can be browsed on our picture sales page.