In a galaxy not that far away, the forces of good and evil are set to collide as sci-fi and pop culture fans gather for this year's POP BAM Festival in Lake Mac.
The Saturday 27 July event at Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba, will feature cosplay champions crossing swords in mock lightsaber duals, ninja turtles getting totally bodacious and a movie prop master sharing his silver screen experience.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the festival brought blockbuster movies, TV shows, comics and music to life in a vibrant celebration of creativity and fandom.
"Last year's POP BAM was a huge hit with all ages and this year's festival will be bigger and better," she said.
"Pop culture is such a pervasive presence in our society, and POP BAM is all about celebrating it and sharing it with like-minded people."
Main stage action kicks off at 10.15am with a chat with actor and prop expert Dean Knowlsey, who worked on The Hobbit trilogy, Avatar and the hit TV series Wire in the Blood.
That will be followed by a cosplay panel, where devotees will chat about the art of their craft, and a 45-minute talk with diehard Star Wars 501st and Rebel Legion members.
Throughout the 10am-3pm festival, LARP NSW, including local group Swordcraft Newcastle, will provide demonstrations of sword-fighting and live action role-playing, while Underground Arcade will give visitors a chance to try virtual reality gaming and play classic arcade and console titles.
A separate kids' zone features craft, a Disney princess meet and greet, and an anime drawing workshop.
Admission is free for children under five, $10 for kids 5-17 and $20 for adults, plus booking fee.
Children aged under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Go to lakemac.com.au
