The 72nd World Science Fiction Convention will be held in London from Thursday 14th to Monday 18th August 2014. Yes 2014! Such is the scale of this event that (like a science fiction Olympics) it is planned many years in advance and cities have to bid to be able to host it.

The last time it was held in the UK was in 2005 in Glasgow (as it was in 1995). The time before it was held in Brighton in 1987 (as it was in 1979); you have to go back to 1965 to find the last time it was held in London.

This event will be held at the Excel in London Docklands. It is worth bringing it to people’s attention this far out as it allows for time to plan it into the summer, plus if you join the convention now it will cost you far less than if you wait until nearer the time. You can even get a hotel booked if you feel keen!

So far the guests of honour announced include: Iain M. Banks, John Clute, Chris Foss, Malcolm Edwards and many others. Full details of these guests, other guests and the emerging programme of events can be found on the convention website www.loncon3.org and the convention itself is on twitter @loncon3.

We will be posting further updates on the way to 2014 and I also hope to share some insights into past conventions to encourage those who may not know what a convention entails, particularly one of this scale – there could easily be 4-5,000 attendees!

Until then do check out the website and I hope to catch up with some of you in 2014!

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