South Shields museum is taking on another world as it hosts an annual sci-fi fair

Sci-fi enthusiast Keith Lawler is bringing his collector’s fair back to South Shields Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday March 31.

The event is now in its fifth year and sees science fiction fans from across the North East descend on the Ocean Road venue.

Previous events have attracted more than 1,200 people through the doors and organisers hope this year will be no different.

Traders from across the North East will be setting up stalls with a variety of items for sale from toys and comics, to books, costumes, and memorabilia.

Mr Lawler said: “We have a lot of collectors from across the North East already signed up to come along on the day, those who have been here before and new collectors.

“Throughout the event there will be activities available for visitors and we are hoping to see as many people dressed up in cosplay costume as possible.

“South Shields Museum has always been a popular event and we always have a good crowd.

“This will be the fifth time we have held the event here, it’s a good venue, but it also helps the museum too, by bringing people in who wouldn’t normally visit.

“It’s funny seeing all these characters walking around the museum.”

Those dressing up will have the chance to enter a competition for the best cosplay costume. The contest is open to both adults and children with the chance to win a voucher to spend on one of the dealer’s stalls. Photos will also be taken.

The free event, runs from noon to 3.30pm.