Weekender: The SFX Team Preview

Discover what the members of the SFX team are most looking forward to at the Weekender

Dave Bradley (editor-in-chief)

Charity Auction: On the Friday evening on the main stage, our Adrian Hill is hosting an auction in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Cool items up for grabs include a signed Terry Pratchett proof and a hat warn by Andrew Lee Potts in Primeval . There are exclusive bargains on offer and it's all for a good cause. I might even get my wallet out myself.

Geek Socialising: I’ve said it many times before, but one of the best things about conventions is simply that you get to hang out with like-minded people. I’m definitely going to be spending a lot of time meeting readers and guests over the course of the event. One of the highlights of the 2010 Weekender was drinking with forum users on the Thursday evening, a session which turned into an impromptu party in a chalet. These are solid gold chances to catch up with old friends and make new ones in a safe environment. And remember, if you’re an aspiring writer there is probably no better networking opportunity than the bar, where you’ll meet authors, agents and publicists aplenty.

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Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: A packed screening room full of people singing along to Buffy's "Once More With Feeling" last year was a glorious sight to behold. We're hoping to see more of the same this time with a Dr Horrible session. Come along to our little cinema and belt out some Whedon-flavoured tunes as a crowd.

Richard Edwards (deputy editor)

The SFX Awards 2011: Last year’s sci-fi and fantasy gong-fest was a blast, with some great surprises. I’m hoping for more of the same this year.

George Takei: There are some great names on the Weekender guestlist, but George Takei is one of the original Enterprise crew and therefore a bona fide sci-fi legend. Expect inner fanboy to be unleashed

Blastermind: I had great fun at last year’s quiz, and I wasn’t even taking part! Dave Golder’s been plotting some devilish teasers, so it’s probably best to do some serious swotting. Or buy me a drink in the hope I might spill some beans…

Jordan Farley (staff writer)

The Imaginarium: Having missed out on the fun of the Imaginarium last year on account of being stuck on the pub stage feverishly marking your Blastermind answer sheets, I’ll be sure to check out what I’m assured will be the craziest two hours of the entire weekend this time round. And, of course, hang on for Pat Sharp’s return to the decks straight after.

Scott Pilgrim Versus The World Screening: It was my nomination and you voted in droves on sfx.co.uk to make Scott Pilgrim the clear winner of the team choice category, so naturally I’ll be there to join in on the rip-roaring, chop-socky action. I’ll even be bringing along my own copy of the Blu-ray to make the vibrant visuals and stunning soundtrack that extra bit epic. The bigger the audience the better as far as I’m concerned, who’s up for a Black Sheep sing-a-long?

Deathmatch: As anyone who reads my Inside Skinny every issue can attest, I’m a certified thumb bandit, so the chance to play the very promising looking Red Faction: Armageddon and Homefront early has me more excited than the Doctor at a bow-tie convention. Anyone up for a multiplayer rematch after last year, seek me out!

Nick Setchfield (features editor)

The Icebreaker: Looking forward to Dave Golder’s Thursday night “icebreaker” game, I must say. Always something very appealing about smashing into glaciers with a steam-powered polar vessel. What’s that you say? We’re in Pontins and not the Bering Strait? Now I’m truly intrigued… What have you got for us, Cap’n Dave?

George Takei: I must catch George Takei’s Q&A on Friday. Absolute legend. Please ensure someone asks him to lean forward into the microphone, stare at the audience as if beholding V’Ger and declare “MY… GOD!” in his utterly matchless way.

The Maskerade: My dancing shoes are standing by for the Saturday night Maskerade. I’m working on a new move called the No Ordinary Family – you throw your hands in the air and no one cares.

Russell Lewin (production editor)

Blastermind: I can’t just write ‘drinking in the bar’ can I? Okay then, what about another pub-based activity, the Blastermind quiz? That was cracking fun last year, and I’m sure it’ll be the same this year.

Keeley Hawes: Ah, tha chance top see Keeley Hawes in the flesh! Recently, after many years finally watched the 1998 The Avengers movie – she’s in it and looks amazing! Wonder if she remembers it...

“Human Nature”: I’ll be rewatching the brilliant Doctor Who two-parter, “Human Nature” – and hopefully having a chinwag with the great man behind it, Paul Cornell!

Rob Power (editorial assistant)

Zombies: Given the amount of time I’ve invested planning escape routes and improvising weapons just in case, How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse is absolutely essential.

Bryan Talbot: The Adventures Of Luther Arkwright bent my head and Grandville made me want to be a badger, so it is imperitive that I see Bryan Talbot and figure out how he works his magic.

Craig Charles: Now that we know there’s new Red Dwarf on it’s way, Craig Charles’ Q&A session looks like the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Dave Golder (online editor)

Vampires: I’m looking forward to hosting a very different kind of panel on Saturday at 12.30pm in the Main Void, when Jon Courtenay Grimwood (who’s just published his first vampire novel), Toby Whithouse ( Being Human creator), James Moran ( Doctor Who / Torchwood ) scripter, James Lovegrove (author) and Sarah Pinborough (author) try to create a groundbreaking, cliché-avoiding concept for a new vampire TV series. Can it be done? Or has it all been done before?

Russell Tovey: I’ve seen him in action at conventions before, and I can guarantee a very lively Q&A panel…

China Mieville: Mainly looking forward to this because one of my tasks for the weekend is allegedly “moderating” the China Mieville session. Easiest job of the event. You just wind him up and let him go. Actually, he doesn’t even need winding up. And there’re precious little chance of having a “moderating” effect…

Adrian Hill (advertising manager)

Charity Auction: I’ll be your host at the charity auction in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital on the Friday at 5pm. A big thanks to everyone who kindly donated stuff stuff so if you want to bag yourself a bargain then you don’t want to miss this!! (I’ll take stone cold hard cash or a cheque)

We’ll meet again: Meeting everyone I met from last year and, of course, meeting new friends too in the bar through out the Weekender. Looking after you all at the autograph area and making sure you all get something signed (Feel free to bring me a cuppa Tea)

Costumes: Looking forward to seeing everyone in costume again this year. Last year you where all fantastic. Can’t wait to see what you got for Saturday night!