Thousands turn up to The Centre Livingston to see two Transformers – all the way from Cybertron

Thousands of visitors turned up to The Centre, Livingston last weekend, (20th and 21st July) to meet two giant, 9ft Transformers who made a very special guest appearance at Comic Con’s ‘Superhero Takeover’, to help raise funds for the local charity, West Lothian Community Foundation.

Following the success of Comic Con’s first visit to the shopping centre earlier this year, the alien robots from Cybertron, which featured in the first Transformers film in 2007 and transformed into cars, made their debut with lots of much-loved superhero characters, including Spider-Man, Bluey and Bingo and Sonic and Knuckles in walkabouts and ‘Meet & Greets’.

The event, which was also attended by over 60 exhibitors showcasing their one-of-a-kind collectables and a variety of movie and television props, was free with the opportunity to donate to West Lothian Community Foundation, which is one of the charities the mall has partner with to run its ‘Jump into Summer” programme of free events like sports-themed pop ups, including basketball and table tennis, and arts and crafts.

The aim of the local charity is to use football as an activity to promote the educational and health development of people of all ages in the community, with particular emphasis on targeting those who are less engaged with sporting activities, to help them reach their full potential.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “It was great to welcome the 9ft Transformers into The Centre, Livingston at the weekend.

“The impressive iconic characters, along with all the other popular comic heroes were a huge hit with our shoppers, especially the fans, and also our retailers and team. 

“It was a great addition to all the other free activities happening all summer at the shopping centre for visitors to enjoy, like sporting ‘try out’ sessions, including table tennis and basketball, kids exercise classes and also arts and crafts and a fantastic opportunity for our charity partner West Lothian Community Foundation to raise funds and awareness of the great work they are doing.”

Ian Bonar from BGCP Comic Con, said: “We are thrilled with our second trip to The Centre, Livingston. Great memories were made with our two 9ft Transformers grabbing everyone’s attention in the middle of the shopping centre, with lots of double-takes.

“We also had the biggest ‘Meet & Greet’ we’ve ever organised with ‘Bluey and Bingo’ on Sunday, as people travelled near and far to get a photo with them.”

Graham Jarvis from West Lothian Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to everyone who helped us to raise funds over the weekend at the Comic Con event, which was great fun!

“Every penny we raise as a charity goes back into helping even more people in West Lothian to get fit and active and meet people which is why we are very appreciative that The Centre, Livingston has chosen us as one of their summer charity partners as it has also given us the chance to raise awareness of all of the work we are doing in the community.”

Bluey & Bingo join in the ‘Superhero Takeover’ at The Centre Livingston

Back by popular demand, the children’s favourite characters, Bluey & Bingo are set to return to The Centre, Livingston on Saturday, 20th and Sunday, 21st of July as part of Comic Con’s ‘Superhero Takeover’, which will also feature two giant, 9ft transformers who are making their debut at the free event.

Following the success of Comic Con’s first visit to the shopping centre earlier this year, the much-loved characters will be joining lots of comic favourites, including Spider-Man, Venom, Iron Man, Sonic and Knuckles in walkabouts and ‘Meet & Greets’, which will take place next to Waterstones and British Heart Foundation.

Two giant 9ft transformers will also be taking part in the fun, located at the main entrance to The Centre, Livingston and over 60 exhibitors, showcasing a variety of movie and television props, one-of-a-kind collectables and selling various merchandise exclusives.

All details for the event, which is free with optional donations to West Lothian Community Foundation, can be found on the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.

The aim of West Lothian Community Foundation is to use football as an activity to promote the educational and health development of people of all ages in the community, with particular emphasis on targeting those who are less engaged with sporting activities, to help them reach their full potential.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Due to customer demand and the huge success of our first Comic Con event earlier this year, we are really excited to welcome them back on the 20th and 21st of July for more superhero fun with walkabouts, ‘Meet & Greets’ and the chance to pick up some limited-edition collectables.

“We are delighted to be able to support the local charity, West Lothian Community Foundation, at the event who are doing exceptional work connecting with people in the local community and helping them to get fit.”

Ian Bonar from BGCP Comic Con, said: “BGCP is thrilled to return to The Centre, Livingston, the first event absolutely blew us away and was well received by locals and others who travelled from Fife, Dundee, Glasgow and further afield.

“Our goal is to top each visit to the centre.”

Graham Jarvis from West Lothian Youth Foundation, said: “Our huge thanks and appreciation go out to everyone who is supporting us this summer at The Centre, Livingston.

“We are an integral part of the community with a mission to get as many people into sports and as fit as possible which is why partnering with the shopping centre is such a fantastic opportunity for us to help raise even more awareness of our workshops, courses and summer camps.”

The Batmobile arrives at St James Quarter for Comic Con this weekend

St James Quarter has revealed that the Batman’s iconic Batmobile will be parked on Register Square on the 6th and 7th May for Comic Con. Comic fans will have a chance to get their picture taken with the famous vehicle, which is based on the classic version from the 1989 film.

And that’s not all, Ghostbuster fans will get an opportunity to pose and take a picture with the legendary Ecto-1 Car which will be situated at the Multrees entrance at St James Quarter.

As well as endless picture opportunities, Comic fans will get the chance to meet their favourite superheroes and comic stars, including Spider Man, Shrek and Pikachu. Attendees will also learn about the world of comic books from the experts, with special guest appearances from the likes of Jim Alexander, Monty Nero and Art of Fish who have all written or drawn for Marvel, DC and 2000 AD.

There will also be interactive workshops including a slime making session the kids will love, as well as mask making workshop where guests can step into the shoes of their favourite superhero and create their own iconic look.

Comic Con is encouraging guests to get involved in the action and take part in its renowned cosplay competition on Saturday 6th May at 3:20pm where a first-place trophy and cash prize is up for grabs.

Kicking off from 10am on Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page, featuring everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “Don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of superheroes and villains at St James Quarter this weekend. With a diverse range of attractions including the Batmobile, cosplay competitions, merchandise vendors, comic characters, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone.

“We cannot wait to welcome you all to Comic Con this weekend!”

For more information visit the BGCP Comic Con event page.

Superheroes Unite! St James Quarter welcomes Comic Con to Edinburgh

Sci-fi fans in Edinburgh are in for a treat as Comic Con is headed to St James Quarter for a free two-day event on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of May. 

Kicking off from 10am on the Saturday, the B3 car park will be transformed into a hub of activity, courtesy of the Big Glasgow Comic Page. The event will take over the entire St James Quarter car park on Level B3 and will feature everything from comic book and memorabilia sellers and workshops to props and gaming.  

A family-friendly event, guests of all ages will be able to take part in a cosplay contest and browse a wide variety of toys and crafts on offer. Comic book fans will also be able to meet their heroes, as stars of the big screen come to life with special meet and greets with the nation’s favourite superheroes and villains.  

With a stellar line-up of activities, this is set to be the biggest comic con event the city has ever seen and promises to be a fun-filled weekend for all.

For more information and tickets, you can visit the BGCP Comic Con event page