Omaha’s Britishfest brings out fun events and costumes

Britishfest

The Omaha area had its own mini-British Invasion over the weekend, as Britishfest took center stage among entertainment and fantasy conventions. From celebrities to costumes, Britishfest provided Midlanders a taste of life across the pond.

More than 1,300 people participated in the second annual event, held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. People took part in speaker panels, costume contests, games and just some old-fashioned dressing up.

Steampunk costumes were popular among attendees. Steampunk provides a variation from traditional character costumes by adding an element of Victorian age or a western theme.

Britishfest

Cosplayers are always willing to pose for photos. Just be polite and ask them first. They’ll even get into character for you. For instance, local author Melissa Conroy gets “scolded” by a Bobbie. Melissa writes novels based on historical fantasy. She includes actual historical figures in some element of her stories.

Britishfest

A couple posed for some photos for us.

Britishfest

The woman’s costume included a peacock train. We had to get another shot of her outfit.

Britishfest

I loved this take on “Alice in Wonderland.” They had amazing costumes. They portrayed the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter.

Britishfest

People seem to spend a lot of time and thought in their costumes. You can tell they enjoy dressing for an event such as Britishfest.

Britishfest

In addition to Cosplay, Britishfest fans took part in a variety of panels. Panels covered items such as writing, cosplay outfits and music, such as a look at the “second” British Invasion of music (1980s version).

A couple of crowd favorites were the “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” quote along. People watched the movie and read the lines along with the actors. Some people brought their own coconut shells to help make the horse sounds during the movie. Very funny.

We found a group of knights and the infamous “killer rabbit” roaming the floor Saturday.

Britishfest

A panel room was filled with standing-room only for the “String Beans” presentation of a “Star Wars” musical. It hilariously covers the original three movies in 90 minutes. The cast was funny, and the crowd loved them. The team did provide a bit of a prequel history. They ended with a “preview” of the new movie due out in December. “Chewie, we’re home.” The crowd loved the parody.

Britishfest

Celebrities visited Britishfest. Simon Becker-Fisher (“Doctor Who”), Mark Ryan (“Black Sails” and “Transformers” movies) and Adrian Paul (“Highlander”) headlined the events. Bill Breuer is a Doctor Who lookalike (second Doctor).

Britishfest

Paul was entertaining during his panel. The audience was packed with fans. They asked questions, and he was very eager to answer. He injected a lot of humor in his stories of “Highlander” and other shows and movies. At one point, he answered his phone. It was his wife. We got to say hi to her as a group.

Britishfest

Props from movies and television series were very popular. Fans of Harry Potter posed for photos in front of one. They were well-choreographed. The photo shoot drew a lot of people with cameras.

Britishfest

Not to be outdone, Doctor Who fans had their share of props. Doctor Who and a guest appeared to be working their way to the blue phone box.

Britishfest

The Tardis control panel made its second consecutive appearance at Britishfest.

Britishfest

Daleks were not far away from the Tardis. Doctor Who, please be careful.

Britishfest

I loved the cosplayer dressed as Dorium.

Britishfest

Hobbits and Lord of the Ring fans could their photos taken with props.

Britishfest

Star Wars is huge with Britishfest fans. That’s because many of the actors and crew were British. A life-sized Jabba the Hut was on display during the weekend’s events.

Britishfest

A Steampunk Princess Leia was on scene.

Britishfest

Boba Fett was at the convention.

Britishfest

Vendors had a lot of wares to market during the three-day event. You could check out jewelry, clothes, games and more.

Britishfest

Vendors also dressed in costume.

Britishfest

We had an enjoyable time at Britishfest. It was fun to experience our second “comic con” this summer. It has us interested in checking out more of the regional conventions, as well. If you haven’t been to a comic con, we suggest checking out regional events hosted in our Metro area. Britishfest was fun for fans and a great way to spend the weekend.

For more information on Britishfest, please visit www.britishfest.weebly.com.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Britishfest for the complimentary media passes. However, all opinions and views are ours.