Ten years after the last comparable event in the city at the same venue, the belated but welcome return of a large-scale pop culture convention was unarguably a success.

Sticking to the classic formula, Brighton Film & Comic Con 2015 featured the usual talks from cult stars of TV and film alongside comic creators, cosplay, gaming areas, autograph booths and, of course, merchandise stalls selling collectibles and, well, tat.

The big names in an event somewhat lacking in big names included John Hurt, Buffy The Vampire Slayer’s James Marsters and horror maestro George A. Romero, though there was a galaxy of lesser-known celebrities, some the weekend’s real highlights.

In-between photos with velociraptors and ewok actors beside fans dressed as wookiees were some truly captivating talks.

Topics ranged from the bizarre anecdote of thespian Simon Callow being sexually harassed by a gorilla in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls through to a debate on women in wrestling by former WWE superstars. Even when grumpy, as Star Trek’s Rene Auberjonois certainly was, participants were never less than fascinating.

Packed to the rafters and great (if expensive) fun, the case was perfectly stated for a return next year for this celebration of cult entertainment.

Three stars.