Attending Panels Guide

If you’re a fan of literally anything then there’s bound to be a panel for you.

The panels and screenings at MCM Comic Con bring together celebrities and experts to discuss various topics, get you involved, or give you a good laugh, and are at included in your MCM tickets unless stated otherwise.

From celebrity spotlights to live music, there are tons of engaging panels on the 8+ MCM stages across the whole 3-day weekend.

What are panels at MCM Comic Con?

They’re basically like podcasts, but in real life. 

A panel can be best described as a group discussion or conversation that takes place in front of an audience. It typically involves a moderator who guides the discussion and a group of panellists who are experts or individuals with relevant experiences on the topic at hand. 

Celebrity panels might include a Q&A with exclusives on their latest project, while community panels could be a deep-dive into the most controversial fan theories. On the other hand, some panels might have you learning something new, or simply put a smile on your face. 

Are panels at MCM Comic Con free?

Panels are FREE for all ticket holders, and can take various formats, such as roundtable discussions, presentations, Q&A sessions, interactive games, live performances, or even story time for the little ones! You can also reserve a seat at some of our most popular panels.

DO…

  • Check the app in advance for a schedule of panels and set reminders
  • Arrive in plenty of time for your chosen panel. We’d recommend around 15 minutes, or half an hour for celebrity panels.
  • Download the map ahead of time so you know where each stage is

DON’T…

  • Expect entry to panels if they’re already full (pro-tip: if the panel is full, double check if it’s being streamed to another stage - this is often the case for very popular Celeb panels)

  • Take up seats if you don’t require them. Our panels are always popular so make sure you don’t take up extra seats so other fans can enjoy our panels too!

The MCM Stages

We have loads of stages at MCM, each of which has its own modus operandi…

Let’s take a deeper dive in what you can find on our largest stages. 

Main Stage

Step into the Main stage! This is where celebrity panels shine and cosplay takes centre stage. You can get up close with their favourite actors, directors, and creators as they reveal behind‑the‑scenes secrets, share hilarious stories, answer burning fan questions, and drop exclusives you won’t hear anywhere else.

Capital Stage

The go-to place for studios, exclusives, community celebrations and live game-play demonstrations, plus the After Hours action happens here!

Live Stage

If you're looking for interactive and engaging content that stops you in your tracks, the Live Stage is the place to be. From interactive performances to audience games and challenges, this stage offers you a lively and entertaining experience!

Cosplay Central Stage

From the EcoCraft Challenge to hearing directly from the cosplay community, the Cosplay Central Stage has a packed schedule for those that love to get creative and embody characters they love.

Side Quest Stage

Head over to the Side Quest Stage for exclusive insights from industry experts and the creative minds behind the games you love! Featuring top talent from the games industry, iconic voice actors, and more. You might even catch a sneak peek at upcoming indie games, perfect for topping up your gaming wishlist!

Creator Stage

Get ready for a stage where authors, streamers, publishers and big‑idea creators all come together! Expect lively conversations, hands‑on workshops, and inspiring presentations designed to spark imagination and unleash creativity.

Pop Asia Stage

Sit back and take in a performance from some of the best dance groups, join in with Random Dance Games or listen to your favourite anime soundtracks over on the Pop Asia Stage.

Writers Block Stage

From YA to SFF, horror, fantasy, sci‑fi and beyond. Dive into a world of imagination with your favourite authors as they take the stage to share the sparks behind their stories, their top writing secrets, and their passion for all things bookish. Expect group panels and captivating live readings that bring their worlds to life.

Artist Alley Stage

Learn from the best! The Artist Alley Stage is the space for our Artists show off with live drawing sessions, teaching technical skills and share industry tips and tricks.

Fringe Stage

The only place you’ll see pirates, belly-dancing, and Spider-Man doing the macarena all in one place; the MCM Fringe Stage hosts the best live music, comedy, dance, interactivity and entertainment the MCM community has to offer.

Career Fair Stage

Get closer to the industry! Our Career Fair gives you a chance to go face to face with employers in the industry, plus experience education exhibition areas, careers talks and networking opportunities.

Panels bring celebrities, our fans, and industry professionals together, and are included in your ticket. No matter your fandom, there is a panel bound to excite, inspire and entertain you. Be sure to check out the diverse range of panels and screenings taking place on different stages – you never know what you might discover!