Pop culture festival set to return to ICC Wales
Newport will welcome back one of Wales’s biggest fan conventions this summer as Comic Con Wales prepares to return to ICC Wales on 8 and 9 August 2026. Organised by Monopoly Events, the two-day gathering promises a packed schedule of celebrity guests, panels, immersive attractions and activities aimed at fans of comics, gaming, film and television.
The event has established itself as a major fixture in the Welsh events calendar, routinely attracting thousands of fans from across Wales, the wider UK and beyond. For Newport — with its conference and exhibition infrastructure and growing profile as a cultural destination — the convention offers a further boost to the city’s summer programme and visitor economy.
High-profile guests and fan experiences
Leading the announced guest list is Noah Schnapp, recognised for his role as Will Byers in the hit series Stranger Things. Other headline names confirmed include former Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi and Kat Graham of The Vampire Diaries fame. Fans of long-running genre shows will also see a strong representation from the worlds of Supernatural, The 100 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, along with appearances from a WWE star and notable video-game voice actors.
- Meet-and-greets, photops and autograph opportunities with television and film stars
- Live panels and Q&A sessions revealing behind-the-scenes material
- Cosplay events, exclusive merchandise stalls and interactive attractions
Organisers say attendees will be able to take part in professional photo opportunities, autograph sessions and live question-and-answer panels where guests will discuss career highlights and memorable moments from major franchises.
"Comic Con Wales continues to welcome thousands of fans from across Wales, the UK and beyond each year," organisers said in their announcement.
Guests from television, film and gaming
The weekend will feature an eclectic mix of performers and industry names. Among those publicised so far are:
| Guest | Notable role / association |
|---|---|
| Noah Schnapp | Will Byers (Stranger Things) |
| Peter Capaldi | Twelfth Doctor (Doctor Who) |
| Kat Graham | Bonnie Bennett (The Vampire Diaries) |
| Felicia Day, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster | Cast members from Supernatural |
| Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley | Stars of The 100 |
| Amber Benson, Julie Benz, Kristine Sutherland, Clare Kramer, Sarah Hagan | Names from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe |
| Paige | WWE superstar |
| Steven Ogg, Shawn Fonteno, Ned Luke | Voice cast from Grand Theft Auto V |
These announcements are likely to increase footfall in and around the city centre during the weekend. Local hospitality and retail businesses commonly see an uplift when major conventions take place at the ICC Wales, as attendees look for food, drink and accommodation close to the venue.
What it means for Newport
For Newport, the return of Comic Con Wales underscores the city’s role as a regional events hub. The ICC Wales has regularly hosted large-scale conferences and entertainment shows, and the continued success of such events can contribute to sustained demand for local services and jobs linked to hospitality, transport and event support.
Residents planning to attend can expect a mix of celebrity sessions and fan-led activities, while those working in related local sectors should prepare for increased trade during the weekend. As more details of the schedule and ticketing are released, fans and local businesses alike will be watching for timings of headline panels and any community or volunteering opportunities connected to the convention.
Comic Con Wales’s return to Newport is a reminder of the city’s cultural reach and its continuing attractiveness as a stage for national and international entertainment events.
