The largest cosplay meeting place in Europe
Cosplay artists bring characters from films, video games, and mangas to life. At the daily cosplay contests, experienced cosplayers and beginners alike present their creative costumes to an international jury and the public. In creative workshops, visitors are introduced to various techniques and tricks of costume making. The huge number of Swiss and international cosplayers makes the FANTASY BASEL Cosplay Village the largest cosplay meeting place in Europe. However, a costume is not compulsory at the festival; most visitors come to the mega-event in normal street clothes.
A paradise for anime, comic, and fantasy fans
Over 400 artists show their work in Artist Alley and create art live at their stands. In addition to Disney illustrator Ulrich Schröder, guests include world-famous comic artists such as Frank Cho, Stanley Artgerm Lau and Enrico Marini, who are currently working for Marvel Comics, DC, and Capcom. John Howe, who worked on the visual concepts for “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”, will also be back at the festival to talk about his work on stage.
Star Wars, space professionals, and a glimpse into the universe
One of the highlights is the high-caliber line-up of scientists in the space sector. On Saturday, Swiss astronaut Prof. Claude Nicollier will talk about his space missions and sign autographs. The exhibitions and activities of the Swiss Space Museum and its partners fascinate experts and space fans alike. Experienced experts, visionaries, researchers, and nerds meet on the Space Stage, present the latest state of research. and are available for visitor questions and discussions. The large “Star Wars” fan exhibition with huge film props spans the arc from science to fiction. The scenery is framed by the daily parade with Stormtroopers, Wookies, Twi’leks, and other characters from the “Star Wars” universe.
Meeting stars from the movie world in person
Actress Abigail Cowen and Chris Rankin, known as the nerdy Percy Weasley from “Harry Potter”, will be bringing plenty of magic to the festival. This year’s invited star guests also include Anna Popplewell from “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Reign”, Duncan Lacroix known from “Outlander” and “Vikings”, as well as Cara Buono from “Stranger Things” and “The Sopranos”. All will be available for photos and autographs with their fans.
Other attractions
- From archery and karate to lightsaber fighting, a wide variety of sports can be tried out in the Sports and Action Zone and sweat-inducing shows can be watched.
- On Saturday, seven K-Pop dance groups will present their dance shows to crown the festival.
- In addition to the “Harry Potter” fan group “Potterheads” and several “Star Wars” associations, various artist collectives, pen & paper and tab-letop game clubs will also provide plenty of variety.
- At the medieval market, visitors are sent on a journey through time and find themselves surrounded by medieval robes, knights’ armor and royally handcrafted jewelry.
- In the large gaming hall, visitors can play both classic games and the latest game releases. This year, Bethesda is celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Elder Scrolls Online” and is inviting visitors to play the new Gold Road chapter before the official release in June. Nintendo is bringing childhood classics to the festival site with “Princess Peach: Showtime”, “Just Dance” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”.
- With bestselling authors such as Bernhard Hennen, Kai Meyer and Carina Schnell, the festival also offers fans of fantasy literature of all ages an experience with readings and talks about the fascinating worlds of goblins, vampires and dragons.
