First ever Irish WorldCon, August 15-19, Convention Centre Dublin

First ever Irish WorldCon, August 15-19, Convention Centre Dublin

When and where is it on?

August 15-19, Convention Centre Dublin and Point Square, and other places around the city.

How many years has it been going?

 Dublin 2019 – An Irish Worldcon will be the 77th World Science Fiction Convention. Worldcon has been going since 1939, with a four-year break during World War II. This is the first Worldcon in Ireland.

What was the inspiration to start it?

A group of readers and writers of the early pulp science fiction magazines decided to meet in New York in 1939. Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov were among those present at the first Worldcon.

What exciting things can people look forward to?

More than 700 separate events, including author readings and panels, discussions of films, television, comics and other media, science talks and an academic subconference. Arts events include a film festival, exhibitions and talks by comic artists, and science fiction related theatre and concerts including the Irish Video Game Orchestra, the Doubleclicks, Library Bards and Finland’s geekiest women’s choir, Another Castle. There will be two productions by Traveller playwright Rosaleen McDonagh and eleven other theatrical performances. Further information is available on the website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

What opportunities are on offer for those attending?

* Party like they did in 1939 – except now you can meet and spend time with other fans from all over the world. Hear your favorite SFF authors, hang out with them, and discover new writers and books. * Learn about the history of science fiction and fantasy in Ireland and other countries. * Make a fantasy costume and wear it in the Masquerade catwalk and competition. Costuming is a tradition that goes back to the second Worldcon in Chicago in 1940. * Play and discuss board games – Steve Jackson, author of Melee and Munchkin, is the gaming Guest of Honour.

Stroll through the art show and Creative Alley where artists make things while you watch. Bid in the art auction. * Dance the night away at a science fiction themed ceilidh and a dance party DJed by author John Scalzi. * Vote for the Hugo Awards (by July 31, see list of finalists) and watch the star-studded awards ceremony on Sunday night. A separate retro themed ceremony to award Retro Hugos for works published in 1944 will be held on Thursday night.

Who will be speaking?

Authors on the programme include Guests of Honour Ian McDonald and Diane Duane as well as Elizabeth Bear, Marie Brennan, Pat Cadigan, Zen Cho, Aliette de Bodard, Guest of Honour Diane Duane, Joe Haldeman, Roz Kaveney, Mary Robinette Kowal, Peadar Ó Guilín, George R.R.Martin, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Ada Palmer, Rebecca Roanhorse, V.E. Schwab, Catherynne Valente, John Scalzi, Charles Stross, Michael Swanwick, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Jo Walton, and many more.

Speakers in science panels and lecturers include Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Vatican astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno, as well as astronauts Dr Jeanette Epps and Dr Norah Patten. Featured comic artists and fine artists at the con are Afua Richardson, Jim Fitzpatrick, Maeve Clancy and Sana Takeda.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

Look out for the full programme coming online around August 1, and plan what you want to see most, but also remember that you can’t possibly see everything. Whatever you end up going to will be fascinating and will be your Worldcon.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

Full memberships and day passes are available until August 1 on the website. When sales are closed, they are closed, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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