Picture the paddock… but the crowd’s in costume. Ultra-Con takes over Doncaster Racecourse this weekend and it looks nothing like a race day.

Comic con. At the racecourse.

I had to read it twice when I first listed it on the site.

You’re used to seeing that building one way. Suits, race cards, the odd fascinator. Now swap all of that for anime characters, comic stalls, gaming tables and people who spent three months on a costume.

Same doors. Completely different day.

Here’s what I like about it.

You don’t have to travel for this stuff anymore. For years, if you wanted a proper convention you were on a train to Leeds or Sheffield… and paying for the privilege.

This one’s a ten minute walk for half the town.

It’s family friendly too. Kids in costume, adults in better costume, traders, guests, the whole thing under one roof.

If you’ve got a free Saturday and you’re on the fence, I’d recommend just going. Worst case, you spend an afternoon watching Doncaster be a bit strange… which is worth it on its own.

So that’s the shape of it. Racecourse, this weekend, costumes welcome. Details can be found here.