Novacon - our annual convention

The first NOVACON was organised by the University of Aston SF Group in 1971. At that time there was only one annual SF convention in the UK which took place over Easter weekend and the ASFG in its youthful exuberance realised that there was more than enough support for another one to be held midway between these.
 

After a year or so of hard work and worry NOVACON (NOV- November, NOVA - New) was held during the first weekend of November 1971, taking over a small hotel in the centre of Birmingham with the programme running from lunchtime on Saturday to lunchtime on Sunday, although most fans stayed from Friday to Sunday evening to meet and chat with old friends.

The weekend proved such a success that its members voted to make it an annual event so the ASFG formally handed it onto the recently formed Birmingham Science Fiction Group to ensure continuity from year to year. Since then NOVACON has developed into a fan centred rather than academic convention, based around a single stream structured Programme and intended to let its members circulate and talk to one another if they wish as well as attend programme items.

NOVACON attendees are drawn from all over the UK while a fair number come from Europe, to provide an eclectic mixture of SF knowledge and opinions. Although there is a Programme of science fiction orientated panels, talks and other items there is also a Book Room with a variety of booksellers and other dealers, an Art Room to view and buy, an Art Auction and a Book Auction while a licensed Bar serves as a centre for discussions or just relaxing.

The 2009 NOVACON will run from Friday night to Sunday night 13th to 15th November.

Interested? Then look at the website:

http://www.novacon39.org

Or write to: Steve Lawson, 379 Myrtle Road, Sheffield, S2 3HQ

Or get more information at a BSFG meeting.

FOR SALE - 40pg Novacon 35 Programme Book with article on Alastair Reynolds plus a bibliography. Price is £7.99 plus £1.00 postage (UK). Order from Replay Books on replayer@rogpeyton.fsnet.co.uk