Unleashed Events held their York event at the Racecourse today, as doors opened to around 3,00 visitors at 10am. Co-organisers Katherine Marshall and James Dales spoke to The Press.
James said: “The company itself has been running for 10 years, we bought it back in December 2023, so all the events this year were planned by the previous year but 2025 onwards will be all us.”
“We’re based in Teeside, that’s where Unleashed has always been based,” Katherine added.
“York’s a really nice place for us because it’s not too far, and it’s a lovely venue.”
Godzilla vs Kong, live (Image: Harry Booth)
Unleashed run events across the north of England, stretching as far as Lincoln. They plan to reach Milton Keynes, Manchester, Liverpool, and the Lake District next year – where they hope to expand to 25 events.
Guests on the day included Clem So (Fantastic Beats, Guardians of the Galaxy), Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf, Lara Croft Tomb Raider), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit, Doctor Who), Roger Ashton-Griffiths (Game of Thrones) and Angus MacInnes (Star Wars).
Katherine said: “In addition to those aspects we have the stage show, we also run a few game shows, we have a cosplay masquerade at the end of the day where they can win prizes.
“90 per cent of the visitors come just for that.”
James added: “The day is a place for people to come and unleash this geeky side of them, it’s a place where people can come and just be different, be who they are.
“There’s loads of different geeky stalls, loads of different attractions to take pictures with.”
For both James and Katherine, the most important part of the events is the community that they develop.
“It’s always a place to come and be that geek and nerd that you are,” said James.
“It’s about the feel of the day and how many great experiences they can have with each other.”
“It doesn’t matter how your costume is made, what matters is that it’s an expression of yourself.”
The event was supported by a group of 40 people dressed as a variety of Star Wars outfits, as well as a group of pirates and Star Trek characters.
Unleashed Events have more events planned for the year, and will be announcing next years calendar soon. To keep up to date with them, follow them on their Facebook.
