COMIC capers mix with capped crusaders for colourful fun in Bolton next weekend.

Bolton Comic-Con returns for its third outing at the Bolton Whites Hotel at the Marcon Stadium, on Saturday February 18.

And descending on the stadium, alongside thousands of visitors, will be a 40ft monster from Halifax, an alien articulated lorry and time-travelling car.

On any other day that would sound like nonsense, but for an event celebrating all things sci-fi, it’s just a regular weekend outing.

Organiser Paul Prescott, of North West Comic Cons, said: “Last year we had around 2,000 people but it seems to be getting bigger each year.

“It’s a very family-friendly event and we are really pleased with how it has been going in Bolton.”

Among the highlights this year are a massive inflatable Stay Putt Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters, which will be taking pride of place outside the stadium.

There will also be picture opportunities with the official Hasbro Transformers Optimus Prime truck and a DeLorian from Back to the Future.

Guests include Games of Thrones ‘the Lord of Bones’ Ross O’ Hennessy; UK martial artist Zara Phythian from Marvel’s Doctor Strange; Star Wars’ actors Brian Wheeler and Mel Pickup and Judge Dredd writer John Wagner. Fans of getting dressed up can take part in a cosplay competition and there will also be a mannequin challenge.

There will also be traders, artists and retro and arcade games. Doors open at 10am for pre-purchased tickets, with tickets on the door available to buy from 10am.