Geek Expo 2025: A Stormy Start, but a Community That Shined

Geek Expo 2025 was an event that almost didn’t happen—or at least, not in the way anyone expected. When fans first arrived, they were greeted not by the buzz of a bustling convention but by little to strong winds, light-heavy rain, and the sight of outdoor stalls being dismantled. At the start there were tents ready but at one point, a tent reportedly containing over £1,000 worth of Pokémon cards was blown into a nearby field by the gale.

It looked like the convention might be over before it began.

But instead of letting the weather win, the organisers rallied. With remarkable speed, they shifted the event indoors and salvaged as much as possible. It was far from the grand setup originally envisioned, but the determination to keep things running gave Geek Expo something arguably better: a genuine sense of resilience, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Celebrities and Cosplay

Despite the setback, fans were still treated to an impressive lineup of guests. Clem So (Doctor Strange, Skyfall, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Deadpool & Wolverine) brought star power and charm, chatting openly with fans. Nick Owenford (Star Wars, Loki, Plinky Blighters) was another highlight, sharing stories from his many roles. Paul Warren (Captain America, Star Wars) rounded out the guest list, adding to the convention’s Hollywood connections.

Cosplayers also helped bring the atmosphere to life, with standout appearances including Captain Jack Sparrow, Harley Quinn, and Sebastian from Black Butler. Even with the smaller turnout, their dedication gave the event that classic fan-convention buzz.

Stalls, Merch, and Escapes

Geek Expo’s stalls offered a wide variety of geek-culture merchandise and activities. Pokémon trading cards, hand-crafted 3D dragon figures, mystery bags, original artwork, and coasters were just some of the treasures on offer. Interactive experiences also played a role: Kernow Escape brought the puzzle-solving thrill of escape rooms, while Enigma Escape offered challenging puzzle boxes for attendees to try.

Food Fit for Heroes

Even in stormy conditions, food vendors showed up in style. Attendees could grab a cone from the Spider-Man ice cream van, enjoy a pint at RJ’s bar, or tuck into traditional British fish and chips. Burgers, hot dogs, candyfloss, fresh doughnuts, tea and coffee, pizza and even victorian-style jacket potatoes rounded out the offerings. It wasn’t just fuel for the day—it was part of the fun.

Day Two and Community Spirit

While I wasn’t able to attend the second day of Geek Expo, I heard from both attendees and the event’s Facebook page that things went ahead largely as planned indoors. Unfortunately, not all of their suppliers equipment survived the storm – so they won’t be able to join. The organisers adapted quickly, though they did lose a number of vendors in the process. Even so, fans who were there on 31st August described a wonderful atmosphere, full of positivity despite the smaller scale and lingering storm outside. I can’t personally confirm all of this, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for The Distinguished Geek’s upcoming vlog about the weekend. Once it’s published, I plan to either update this post or share his video so readers can get another perspective on how day two unfolded.

It’s also important to give credit where it’s due. Mark and his team have worked incredibly hard to keep Camborne, Cornwall convention scene alive after the setback in 2024, when Heartlands closed due to ongoing financial and management struggles. That closure forced the cancellation of Geekfest 8, ending what had been a beloved annual event. Out of that disappointment, Geek Expo was born—proof that resilience and passion can rebuild what’s been lost.

The Verdict

While the weather forced Geek Expo to downsize and improvise, the organisers deserve immense credit for their efforts. Meeting Mark, the event’s owner—after many back-and-forth emails arranging my press pass—was a highlight in itself. He and his team remained warm, approachable, and determined to make the best of a difficult situation.

That said, the event’s limitations were clear. Indoor space felt tight, and a stronger contingency plan for bad weather would have made a huge difference. Some attendees, myself included, felt the pinch after paying for extras like the Saturday after-dark-party, which was cancelled outright due to the storm. Geek Expo refunded the cost of the tickets for the cancelled after dark party for those who bought after dark tickets. On Sunday all the paid attractions were included in the ticket price to attendees for the inconvenience and disruption. Which is a gesture of goodwill. 

Still, Geek Expo’s heart shone through. Between the kindness of the staff, the friendliness of the celebrities, and the enthusiasm of the fans, the event managed to turn potential disaster into something memorable.

Looking Ahead

Geek Expo has room to grow, and if lessons from this year are taken on board—more indoor space, stronger weatherproofing, and clearer communication—the event could become a must-visit on the convention calendar. As for me? Next time I’ll be camping on-site so I’m closer to the action and better prepared, camera gear and all. Rain or shine, Geek Expo has proved that it’s powered by community spirit—and that’s something no storm can wash away.

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