Sci-fi and cosplay set to invade

Woodhorn Museum is planning for an Invasion as the North East's biggest sci-fi and '˜cosplay' event moves in.

Invasion runs at the venue near Ashington on Sunday, July 22, and organisers are expecting bumper numbers of visitors from all parts of the cosmos and beyond.

The first event nine years ago involved a handful of Northern Charity Daleks raising funds for good causes from unsuspecting museum visitors, but since then the day has developed into a full programme of fun family events and costumed characters.

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Recent events have included activities such as Storytime with a Klingon, workshops on how to be a good villain, a Star Wars Academy, question time with the Daleks, costume competitions and a sci-fair.

Once again, an exciting programme is planned, but the volunteers who organise the fun and games are keeping the exact details under wraps to surprise visitors on the day.

The sci-fair is always a popular part of the day, with stall-holders showing off everything from books and memorabilia to themed art, and even stunning, hand-crafted masks.

Sarah Goldie, local Fund-raising Manager for Macmillan said: “We are delighted once again that Woodhorn Museum is supporting Macmillan at the Invasion event.

“The event is fantastic and great for families.

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“Macmillan volunteers will be collecting on the day, raising much needed funds for people affected by cancer in Northumberland.”

Macmillan will also have a marquee for activities and a stall indoors, which will have lots of information and support for people affected by cancer, their friends and family.

“All of the money raised for Macmillan at the event will be spent locally in Northumberland,” said Sarah.

“Sadly, every year in Northumberland there are 12,300 people living with and beyond cancer. In Northumberland, we have Macmillan social workers, physiotherapists, community nurses, palliative care nurses, information and support and benefits advisors.”

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With plans to extend the service further to offer even more support to those affected by cancer, the event organisers are keen to encourage as many people as possible to don their favourite sci-fi or super hero costume and go along and support Macmillan and Woodhorn Charitable Trust.

Admission is free, with an all-day parking charge of £5. Blue badge parking will be available at Woodhorn Museum, but there will also be a park and ride service in place from the former Alcan/Rio Tinto site. The first bus operates at 9.45am, in time for doors opening at 10am.

Full details of Invasion and how to plan a visit can be found at www.experiencewoodhorn.com

You can also see details on Woodhorn Museum’s Facebook page.