Everything You Need to Know About Sci-Fi Scarborough 2026

Grab your sonic screwdriver and set your phasers to fun, because Sci-Fi Scarborough is officially beaming back for its twelfth year. This isn't just any old convention; it's a proper seaside celebration of all things geeky, happening on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of April 2026. For two whole days, the beautiful Victorian Scarborough Spa becomes the spiritual home for sci-fi and fantasy fans from all over. The SFS event has a reputation for being run by the fans, for the fans, which gives it a special kind of magic. It’s a not for profit gathering, meaning the focus is purely on creating a brilliant weekend for everyone who walks through the doors. And after more than a decade, they’ve got it down to a fine art, ensuring the whole thing is done properly.

Image: Janet Fielding

A convention that feels different

Some conventions can feel a bit overwhelming, like trying to navigate the Death Star in a blindfold. But Sci-Fi Scarborough, or SFS as it’s known, prides itself on being a relaxed and friendly event. It’s held in the Scarborough Spa, a massive and rather grand old building with plenty of room to move about. This makes it a great day out for families or anyone who needs a bit more space, with easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The whole vibe is less about rushing around and more about enjoying the atmosphere. It's a community, and that's something that has been noticed by the experts.

The highly respected STARBURST magazine even gave the event a glowing review, saying:

‘As more and more geek-orientated events hit the calendar, the competition has gotten more and more fierce but already, a number of events are starting to stand out from the crowd, and Sci-Fi Scarborough does this very well indeed, thanks to a combination of a great venue and very strong, community minded ethos.’

It’s a convention with heart, built by a community of fans who just want to share what they love.

So, what’s on the schedule?

So much! The entire venue is split into eight different zones, each packed with cool stuff. Whether someone is a hardcore gamer, a comic book collector, or just loves dressing up as their favourite character, there’s a corner of the Scarborough Spa just for them. It’s a full-on weekend of activities, panels, and things to see. Here's a little taste of what's planned for the event in April 2026:

• Guest Stars: Meet the actors behind famous characters.

• Gaming Areas: From retro classics to modern consoles.

• Cosplay Competitions: A chance to show off amazing costumes and craftsmanship.

• Traders & Artists: Find that rare comic book or a unique piece of fan art.

• Fan Films & Panels: Hear from creators and watch amazing fan-made movies.

• Props & Displays: Get up close with Daleks and Astromech droids!

• Geek Pub Quiz: Test that sci-fi and fantasy knowledge against other fans.

And for 2026, there’s a brand-new feature called The Evidence Room. This is an area for anyone fascinated by the unexplained. Experts like Paul Sinclair, Ian Linford, James Koppert, Jordan Lapping, and Iain Hunter will be there to chat about all things UFOs and paranormal. It’s a chance to explore some of life’s biggest mysteries, right there by the seaside.

Image: Danny John-Jules

Meeting the heroes from the screen and page

One of the biggest draws for any convention is the guest list, and SFS 2026 has a fantastic line-up of actors and artists. It's an opportunity for fans to meet the people who brought some of their favourite characters to life. The confirmed guests so far are a real treat for followers of some of the biggest franchises in sci-fi.

On the actor front, attendees can meet:

• Paul McGann: Known for playing the Eighth Doctor in Doctor Who and his role in the cult classic Withnail & I.

• Janet Fielding: The brilliant Tegan Jovanka, a companion to the Fourth and Fifth Doctors in Doctor Who.

• Danny John-Jules: The one and only Cat from the legendary sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf.

• Femi Taylor: Recognised by Star Wars fans as Oola in Return of the Jedi.

• Trevor Butterfield: Another Star Wars legend who played both Lieutenant Blount and the bounty hunter Bossk.

• Duncan Pow: Sergeant Ruescott Melshi from Rogue One and the popular series Andor.

It's not just about screen stars, either. The event also celebrates the incredible artists who create the visual world of sci-fi and fantasy. Guest artists like Dan Mumford, Sophie Bland, The Art Of Fish, and Lee Bradley will be there, showcasing their amazing work.

Getting your tickets sorted (without the faff)

Getting tickets for the big weekend couldn't be simpler. Everything is handled through the official SFS website. The organisers have made a big point of keeping things fair and straightforward for the fans. That means when someone buys their tickets, the price they see is the price they pay. There are absolutely zero booking fees. No nasty surprises at the checkout, which is a breath of fresh air. Once purchased, people will receive e-tickets sent straight to their inbox. These e-tickets come with a handy QR code, which gets scanned at the door for entry. It’s quick, easy, and means no worrying about losing paper tickets.

Image source: Femi Taylor

The event runs across the whole weekend, on both Saturday, 18th April 2026 and Sunday, 19th April 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm each day. Booking those tickets early is a good idea to make sure a spot is secured for this fantastic not for profit event. It’s a weekend that many fans look forward to all year.

A convention that gets it right

There's a reason Sci-Fi Scarborough keeps growing in popularity. It has a unique charm that larger, more corporate events sometimes lack. Paul Ferry from Omnibus summed it up perfectly:

"Sci-Fi Scarborough is a fun, adventurous and relaxed convention for all the family and it’s quite clear that those who run it are as much fans of the things on display as those who attend year after year. If you’ve never been to a convention before or you haven’t been to one for decades... pop along to Sci-Fi Scarborough and I guarantee you won’t regret it."

Image: Duncan Pow

The organiser, Steve Dickinson, also highlighted the passion behind the event.

"Its been an absolutely pleasurable experience organising SFS for a dozen years now, we have a solid team who turn up year in year out and make it happen, we just couldn’t do it without them, thanks to all that buy the tickets too, it’s greatly appreciated! We’ve put together another fun packed event for everyone to enjoy with a fantastic roster of guests, see you all there.”

It’s that dedication from the organisers and the support from the fans that makes this more than just an event; it's a community gathering at its spiritual home. This is how a convention is done properly.