‘Disgrace’ as Wales Comic Con to be held in England

The organisers of Wales Comic Con have announced that the event is moving to Telford in England because they need a bigger venue.

The bi-annual event was held at Wrexham Glyndwr University on 21^st and 22^nd April, but will now be moving to Telford International Centre on December 7 and 8.

As many as 10,000 visitors attend the event and it was described by Wrexham Council as bringing “exceptional economic benefits” to the area.

Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Wrexham Carrie Harper said the move was a “disgrace” and that the Welsh Government amd Wrexham Council should act.

“Wales Comic Con was an incredibly popular event and brought thousands of people to Wrexham,” she said. “It’s now re-locating to Telford.

“It emphasises the need for Wrexham to have better facilities to attract similar events in future. Better conferencing facilities for example.

“The Welsh Government and Wrexham Council should reflect on this failure… where is the ambition to make Wrexham the capital of north Wales? Where is the vision to build on these sort of unique events?

“Contrast this with the support given by the Welsh Government for a project in Newport.

“The International Convention Centre near the Celtic Manor is 50:50 partnership with the Welsh Government, which pumped £42m into the build. On top of that, it has provided £2m in grants and loans to improve a nearby hotel.

“On top of that it has provided £2m in grants and loans to improve a nearby hotel.

“Show me a similar investment by the Welsh Government in the capital of the North. For 20 years this Labour Government has mouthed bland platitudes about investing in The Racecourse and creating ‘the Millenium Stadium of the North’. The reality is that we’ve had no investment and The Racecourse remains a three-sided ground with no conferencing or additional facilities.

“We’re getting crumbs rather than a fair share of the loaf. That’s why Plaid Cymru would legislate to make sure that every part of Wales got a fair share of capital funding.”

‘Bigger and better’

A statement released by Wales Comic Con said: “We’re very pleased and super excited to announce our new event, just over the border – Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover!

“As you know, the past few Wales Comic Cons have been the biggest ever and our traditional Welsh stomping ground has become a little… cosy.

“You’ve asked for a new and bigger venue (preferably one out of the rain), and we’re thrilled to finally be able to deliver as we head to the Telford International Centre for our winter event.

“More details will of course follow, so make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media. As soon as we have further announcements, we’ll be sure to let you know!

“Please note that this will replace the normal winter Wales Comic Con, but not to worry! We’ll be working with the same awesome team, so you can still expect everything that you’ve come to love about WCC, but bigger, better and more indoors than ever!

“So it’s hwyl fawr for now, Wales (we’ll see you soon!) and here we come, Telford!”

Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins expressed concern about the move, saying: “This is not good news for Wales. This has a massive following”.

“You cannot really call it Wales comic con if its held in England? Surely a Welsh venue can be found?”

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