A few years ago you could count the number of anime conventions and trade shows happening in the UK on the fingers of one hand.  And that was the hand of a particularly clumsy chainsaw operator.  Nowadays there are so many events it's easy to lose count, so we've come up with a handy events calendar for 2008!

We'll add to this as and when new events are announced, whether Tokyopop bookshop visits or special anime screenings.  So if anyone knows of anything happening that's not listed, please let us know!
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This month starts with a DVD signing by Terratag's Paul Nicholson at TokyoToys' London Trocadero shop, which is just round the corner from the Curzon cinema which hosts the annual London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film (better known as Sci-Fi-London) at the end of the month!

5th April 2008: TokyoToys Ghost in the Shell Guest Signing (Trocadero, London)

22nd April 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (72, Milton Keynes)

23rd April 2008: Tokyopop Recon at TokyoToys Store (Trocadero, London)

24th April 2008: Pokémon Swap Shop at Borders (Leicester) - every fortnight

26th April 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)

27th April 2008: Gundam Sunday at Tokyotoys (Trodadero, London)

28th April 2008: Death Note Movie Screening at Zavvi (Arndale Centre, Manchester)

29th April 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Above, Southampton)

30th April 2008: Tokyopop Recon 2 at Waterstones (Cribbs Causeway, Bristol)

30th April 2008 - 4th May 2008:  Sci-Fi-London 7 (Apollo West End, London)


The year starts here for many anime fans, with three events taking place in the south of England.  Those in London can check out the Sci-Fi-London Film Festival and it's legendary Anime Allnighter, whilst those in the South West can catch the inaugural Bristol International Manga Expo.  Everyone can then head to London at the end of the month for the MCM London Expo!

30th April 2008 - 4th May 2008:  Sci-Fi-London 7 (Apollo West End, London)

1st May 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Newport)

1st May 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelling Session at Borders (Leicester)

1st May 2008: How to Draw Manga - Manga Masterclass at Borders (Leicester)

2nd May 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Gaming Night at Borders (Brent Cross)

3rd May 2008:  Sci-Fi-London Anime Allnighter (Apollo West End, London)

3rd May 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Silverlink, Newcastle)

6th May 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Shires, Leicester)

7th May 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Bury St. Edmunds)

9th May 2008 - 11th May 2008:  Bristol International Comic Expo featuring Manga Expo (Empire & Commonwealth Museum/Ramada Plaza, Bristol)

14th May 2008 Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Chester)

15th May 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Liverpool)

16th May 2008: Bristol Anime Cosplay Club Night 2nd Coming (The Cavern Club, Bristol)

18th May 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Newbury) - for ages 6 to 16

24th May 2008 - 25th May 2008:  MCM London Expo (ExCel Centre, London)

29th May 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstones (Orchard, Sheffield)

31st May 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


A recovery month following the insanity of May, no events planned.

20th June 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Waterstone's (Hull)

28th June 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


July sees the return of the Japan EX, which was successful despite a mixed reception from fans.  This month also sees the year's second convention - Tokonatsu.

July 2008 (exact date TBA):  Japan EX London (ExCel Centre, London)

24th July 2008: Tokyopop Recon at Borders (Southampton)

25th July 2008 - 28th July 2008:  Tokonatsu (Woburn, Bedfordshire)

26th July 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


The biggest dedicated anime & manga event in the UK calendar takes place this month!

8th August 2008 - 10th August 2008:  Amecon (Leicester University)

30th August 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


The pace doesn't let up if you're in the Midlands, another Expo and Con to go to!

5th September 2008 - 9th September 2008:  Alcon (De Montfort University, Leicester)

13th September 2008 - 14th September 2008:  MCM Midlands Expo (International Centre, Telford)

20th September 2008 - 21st September 2008:  Chibicon (Assembly Rooms, Derby)

27th September 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


The MCM Expo strikes again!!

25th October 2008 - 26th October 2008:  MCM London Expo (ExCel Centre, London)

25th October 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


The last planned event for the year, and good news for fans in Scotland!

14th November 2008 - 16th November 2008:  Auchinawa (Holiday Inn, Glasgow)

29th November 2008: Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament at Borders (Kingston, London)


All quiet for Christmas!  No events planned.
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