Zombies and steampunks hit Warrington for Otherworlds convention

Otherworlds was held at the Padgate campus at the weekend with demonstrations from the likes of Zed Events, which provides zombie survival experiences.

Organiser Julie Morrisroe, who runs Cosmic Workshop in Birchwood, said: “We would like to thank all of our special guests, traders, attendees and the University of Chester for supporting us.

“When coming up with the concept of Otherworlds, we set out to bring something a little bit different to Warrington.

“Huge thanks goes to Zed Events, RS Propmasters, the UK Garrison and the Dragon Order, who were our professional props and costuming groups.

“The steampunk crew who came over on Sunday looked out of this world.”

Despite some teething problems, organisers Julie and former Padgate High School pupil Mandy Norman want to stage the event again in 2015.

Staff drop-outs and lack of signage led to visitors getting lost on campus and a drop in footfall on Sunday.

The level of marketing was also criticised but Julie and Mandy hope to address that next year as a sponsorship deal is sought.

Julie said: “There have been lots of challenges and new learning curves but it has been fun and enjoyable.

“You can only do your best the first time around and learn from it really. Expect to hear far more from Otherworlds.”

Mandy added: “There were some amazing fairies on the Saturday, Mark Olly’s vampire lecture was fantastic and every time I walked past the special effects workshop, it had lots of attendees participating.

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback, which is really inspiring for the planning of Otherworlds 2015.”

The event also raised more than £300 for the British Heart Foundation, Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the North West Air Ambulance.

Pictures by Dave Gillespie.