For the Love of Fantasy – Guide to the 2026 London Event
For the Love of Fantasy, the UK-based fan convention dedicated to fantasy and sci-fi television and film, returns to ExCeL London on 22–23 August 2026. Organised by Monopoly Events, the gathering offers celebrity appearances, photo opportunities, autograph sessions, cosplay, and immersive fan activities across two days.
The 2024 debut attracted large crowds and generated mixed feedback, with the ticketing partner describing it as a sell-out. The 2026 edition aims to build on that foundation with a broader guest lineup and improved organisation. Ticket sales are already open through the official send-in partner.
Below is a structured overview of confirmed details, guest announcements, ticketing options, and practical advice for attending the event at the Royal Victoria Dock venue.
When and where is For the Love of Fantasy 2026?
The event takes place over a single weekend in late August at one of London’s largest exhibition centres. All official activities are held indoors across multiple halls.
- Event Name: For the Love of Fantasy
- Organizer: Monopoly Events
- Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock
- Next Date: 22–23 August 2026
Key details to be aware of before planning your visit:
- For the Love of Fantasy is positioned as the UK’s largest fan convention focused exclusively on fantasy and sci-fi movies and TV series.
- The event is run by Monopoly Events, a major UK convention organiser with experience running multi-genre fan events.
- The 2024 debut received mixed reviews on TripAdvisor, with attendees raising concerns about panel organisation and seating capacity.
- The 2026 edition is scheduled for 22–23 August at ExCeL London, E16 1XL.
- No Manchester edition has been confirmed despite repeated user queries about a northern England date.
- The event is also marketed under the name “For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi”.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First event | August 2024 |
| 2026 dates | 22–23 August |
| Venue | ExCeL London, E16 1XL |
| Also marketed as | For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi |
| Ticket sales | via monopolyeventssendin.co.uk |
| Official website | fortheloveoffantasy.com |
Who are the announced guests for For the Love of Fantasy 2026?
The official send-in and ticketing pages list a confirmed lineup of twelve actors and actresses from major fantasy, sci-fi, and genre franchises. While the full schedule of appearances and panel participation has not been published, autograph and photo tickets are already available for each named guest.
Which fantasy and sci-fi guests are appearing?
The announced roster includes Jason Isaacs, Hayley Atwell, John Cleese, Simon Pegg, Lena Headey, Billie Piper, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Edward Furlong, Cara Buono, Claire Holt, and Kat Graham. These names span properties such as Harry Potter, Captain America, Star Wars, Terminator, Stranger Things, The Vampire Diaries, and Game of Thrones.
The twelve names listed on the official send-in page are the only confirmed guests as of the time of writing. Additional announcements may follow in early 2026. The official site mentions dozens of franchise affiliations, but not all have named talent attached yet.
Is the Vampire Diaries cast at For the Love of Fantasy?
Claire Holt and Kat Graham, both known for their roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, are listed on the official guest page. No other cast members from the series have been announced at this stage.
How can fans interact with guests?
The event offers autograph tickets and professional photo tickets for each guest. Fans may also use a send-in service for personal items, provided those items are received by Monday 17 August 2026. Each professional photo ticket permits two people in the frame.
How do I get tickets and find promo codes for For the Love of Fantasy?
Tickets are sold through the official ticketing partner TicketQuarter, with phone and online options available. A range of entry levels and add-ons gives attendees flexibility in how they experience the weekend.
What ticket types are available?
Standard entry tickets are sold by day and entry time: Saturday 9am, Sunday 9am, Weekend 9am, Saturday 11am, and Sunday 11am. Three age brackets apply: Infant (0–4), Concession (5–9), and Standard (10+). A limited number of Diamond Passes are also offered for each day and for the full weekend, with early entry at 9am.
Is there a promo code or discount for For the Love of Fantasy?
The official sources do not list a current promo code or general discount. The ticketing page does not advertise any promotional codes. Attendees who already purchased a standard ticket may upgrade to a Diamond Pass subject to availability by calling customer services. No other discount mechanism is mentioned.
Website orders must be placed and paid for by Thursday 20 August 2026. Send-in items must be received and paid for by Monday 17 August 2026. The event organisers advise allocating the full day for autographs and photos, with the activity window running from 9am to 6pm.
What add-ons and extras are offered?
Beyond standard entry, the ticketing page lists autograph tickets, photo tickets, after party tickets, opening night party tickets, special guest audience seats, professional frames, Certificates of Authentication, and souvenir lanyards. Phone booking is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, on 0344 800 0410.
Is For the Love of Fantasy a Comic Con?
No. For the Love of Fantasy is a dedicated fantasy and sci-fi fan convention, not a Comic Con. While it shares elements such as celebrity guests, cosplay, and vendor stalls, its programming is focused exclusively on the fantasy and science-fiction genres rather than the broader pop-culture mix typical of Comic Con events.
What is the difference between For the Love of Fantasy and other fan conventions?
Monopoly Events positions this convention as the UK’s number one fantasy fan convention, with a narrower genre focus than multi-genre events such as MCM Comic Con or London Film & Comic Con. That niche allows deeper programming around fantasy and sci-fi franchises, including immersive sets, prop builds, and genre-specific gaming areas. The official site lists over twenty franchise affiliations, from Lord of the Rings to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to The Lost Boys.
TripAdvisor reviews of the 2024 event described organisational shortcomings, including poorly organised panels and insufficient seating. One attendee wrote: “Terrible experience. The panels were terribly organised.” The 2026 event may incorporate that feedback, but no specific changes have been announced by the organiser.
How was the 2024 For the Love of Fantasy event reviewed?
Independent press reviews were not found in the available sources. User reviews on TripAdvisor reflect a mixed experience, with complaints focused on panel logistics, queue management, and seating. The ticketing partner describes the 2024 edition as a sell-out, indicating strong attendance despite operational issues. No aggregate rating or verified press score is available.
Timeline of For the Love of Fantasy events
The convention has held one edition to date, with a second confirmed for 2026. The timeline below summarises known milestones.
- August 2024: First For the Love of Fantasy event held at ExCeL London (17–18 August). Mixed reviews from attendees. Described as a sell-out by the ticketing partner.
- 2025: No event confirmed. A gap year with no announced edition.
- 22–23 August 2026: Next event scheduled at ExCeL London. Guest list partially announced. Ticket sales open via official send-in partner.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?
Several details about the 2026 event have been officially confirmed, while others remain subject to speculation or have not been addressed by the organiser.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The 2026 event will be held on 22–23 August at ExCeL London. | The full guest list is not yet officially announced beyond twelve named actors. |
| Ticket sales are live via monopolyeventssendin.co.uk and TicketQuarter. | No Manchester event has been confirmed despite persistent user queries. |
| Diamond Passes and a range of add-ons are available. | Whether specific Vampire Diaries cast members beyond Claire Holt and Kat Graham will appear is not known. |
| The 2024 edition was a sell-out. | No official review scores or press ratings have been published. |
Context: How does For the Love of Fantasy fit into the UK convention scene?
For the Love of Fantasy is the latest addition to the UK fan convention circuit, competing with established events such as MCM Comic Con, London Film & Comic Con, and a range of smaller regional cons. Its niche focus on fantasy and sci-fi allows for deeper programming within those genres, including dedicated immersive sets, prop builds, and genre-specific gaming areas. The Royal Docks London location provides a spacious, modern setting for these activities.
The 2024 event’s organisational issues, including limited panels and poor seating, suggest early growing pains typical of a debut convention. Whether the 2026 edition will address that feedback remains to be seen, as the organiser has not published any operational changes.
Sources and quotes about For the Love of Fantasy
The following statements come from official and user-generated sources included in the research material.
“The UK’s number one fantasy fan convention.”
— Official website, fortheloveoffantasy.com
“Terrible experience. The panels were terribly organised.”
— TripAdvisor review of the 2024 event
“You are invited to experience a theme around…”
— Royal Docks London event listing (archived)
Summary: What to know about For the Love of Fantasy 2026
For the Love of Fantasy 2026 is scheduled for 22–23 August at ExCeL London, with ticket sales already open. A dozen guests have been confirmed, including Jason Isaacs, Hayley Atwell, and Lena Headey, with further announcements expected in early 2026. The 2024 edition was a sell-out but received mixed user reviews, and no Manchester event has been announced. Visitors should book tickets and add-ons in advance, arrive early, and check the guest schedule close to the date. For the full range of ticketing options and guest updates, visit the For the Love of Fantasy official site.
Frequently asked questions
Is For the Love of Fantasy family-friendly?
The event is intended for general audiences, but content may vary by panel and guest. Parents should review specific sessions before attending with children.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets are typically available online in advance; on-the-day availability depends on capacity and cannot be guaranteed.
Does For the Love of Fantasy feature cosplay?
Yes, cosplay is encouraged and forms a central part of the convention culture, with many attendees dressing as characters from featured franchises.
What is the refund policy?
Check the official ticketing partner’s terms and conditions for specific refund conditions, as policies may vary by ticket type.
Will there be a For the Love of Fantasy event in Manchester?
No Manchester event has been confirmed by the organiser. All announced editions have taken place at ExCeL London.
How do I upgrade to a Diamond Pass?
If you already hold a standard entry ticket, you may upgrade to a Diamond Pass subject to availability by calling TicketQuarter customer services.
Are photo and autograph tickets sold separately?
Yes, autograph tickets and photo tickets are sold as separate add-ons for each guest. Each pro photo ticket admits two people.
What is the send-in service for personal items?
Fans may post personal items to the organiser for autographing. Items must be received and paid for by Monday 17 August 2026.
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