Richmond upon Thames College was brought to life last week as it hosted its fourth annual Comic Con event, welcoming students, staff and visitors for a full day of pop culture, creativity and entertainment. The ever‑popular event has become a highlight of the college calendar, celebrating comics, film, television, gaming and cosplay while showcasing the strength of the college’s diverse community.
Watch the highlights
An impressive display of student and staff cosplay
The campus was transformed into a vibrant convention space, with attendees arriving in costume and immersing themselves in the experience. Alongside an impressive display of student and staff cosplay, the event offered a wide range of interactive attractions. A photobooth proved popular throughout the day, giving attendees the chance to capture moments with friends and in costume, while a candy floss machine added a fun fair atmosphere to the event.
Visitors were also able to enjoy a golf simulator, which drew steady queues as students tested their skills, and a striking DeLorean car model, which attracted plenty of attention from fans of classic film and sci‑fi franchises. Special Transformer guests made appearances throughout the day, delighting attendees and adding to the excitement on campus.
Filmmaker Katie Bonham shares her career experiences
A major highlight of this year’s Comic Con was a guest talk from short filmmaker Katie Bonham, who spoke about her journey into filmmaking and the realities of working within the creative industries. Sharing experiences from her career, Katie offered valuable insight into storytelling, resilience and developing creative work, inspiring many students interested in media, film and production pathways.
Cosplay runway competition
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the cosplay runway competition, where students and staff showcased their costumes on stage. Acting student O’shai and Creative Practice student, Aiste were announced as the winners of the student category, praised for both creativity and performance. In the staff competition, Media lecturer, Rhys, who’s Skeksis from The Dark Crystal costume took the top spot, much to the delight of the crowd.
Guess Who?
Adding an extra element of mystery and fun, the day also included a masked teacher contest, encouraging students to guess the identities of staff members hidden behind costumes and masks. This interactive event proved a talking point throughout the day and reinforced the event’s inclusive and community‑focused spirit.
A commitment to creativity
Now in its fourth year, Comic Con continues to grow in scale and popularity. More than just a celebration of fandom, the event highlights the college’s commitment to creativity, student engagement and bringing learning to life beyond the classroom.
As the day came to a close, attendees left with photos, prizes and memories from a successful event that blended entertainment with inspiration. With such strong engagement and enthusiasm, Comic Con remains a standout example of how RuTC supports creative expression and student experience.
Inspired by events like Comic Con and opportunities to explore film, media, acting and creativity beyond the classroom?
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