From Star Wars to Doctor Who, this was sc-fi heaven

Hundreds of dedicated fanatics turned up to meet their heroes, with a considerable percentage dressed up in costumes worthy of a big-screen budget.

Headliners included Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’s Doctor Who (David Bradley) and Star Wars’ Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams).

So in-demand were the deities of sci-fi, that it was nigh-impossible to tear them away from their adoring fans for an interview.

However, I did manage to wangle a word with World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, who headlined a host of sports personalities that also included boxers Larry Holmes and Frank Bruno.

Sir Geoff said: “I find there is a good balance at Collectormania, you have sports people, sci-fi people – it’s a good event, it gets very busy.

“It’s quite enjoyable, quite good fun working with one or two old sages.”

I also asked him if England have what it takes to win the World Cup next year – ‘no’ was his stern response.

Rows of famous faces flanked a mosh pit of memorabilia shops and stands – the collective of collectors and autograph-hunters really were spoilt for choice.

What surprised me about the event was the approachability and accessibility of the celebrities.

Yes, one or two were protected by fan-shaped force-fields, but many famous faces were a two-minute queue away from a chat at any given time.

Collectormania catered for a wide-range of passions and gave me the chance to embrace my inner superfan. If you have a chance to catch the event next time it’s in your area I strongly recommend it: www.collectormania.com.