BFS Online: World Fantasy Convention 2025

Shown is a graphic that has a background of a mountainous landscape, mostly obscured by pinky-grey clouds. There are three narrow, rocky paths disappearing into the clouds and a few black birds in the sky. On the top left is the BFS logo, a black dragon design curling around the letters ‘BFS’. Top right is the World Fantasy Convention logo, a white drawing of woman with long hair holding a sword aloft, bursting from a black background with stars.

Event Date:

21 June, 2025

Event Time:

10:00 am BST

Event Location:

Saturday 21st June 2025, 10am to 6pm BST

World Fantasy Convention is in the UK this year, for the first time in over a decade. At this event showcase, meet some of our guests, attendees and organising team, and get a taster of what’s to come in Brighton. Let us introduce you to our themes and learn what to expect from this special SFFH event. Plus, we’ll give you the skinny on our dual celebration with Fantasycon.

Introduction & welcome (10–10:10am)

Reading (10:10–10:25am): Rachel V Green

Panel 1 (10:25–11:10am): 50 years of Fantasycon and the British Fantasy Society. After its founding 1971, the BFS held its first Fantasycon in 1975. We take a look back at the traditions and changes of the last 50 years. Join Ramsey Campbell, Debbie Bennett, Allen Ashley, and moderator Karen Fishwick to discuss their memories of the society and its prestigious annual event.  Find out more about our panel here.

Reading (11:10–11:25am): Anna Smith Spark

Guest spotlight & reading (11:25–11:55am): Ramsey Campbell, interviewed by Allen Stroud.

Break (11:55am–12:10pm)

Reading (12:10–12:25pm): Russell Smith

Brighton Q&A (12:25–12:45pm): Karen Fishwick answers your questions about WFC’s location, the beautiful Brighton.

Reading (12:45–1pm): Liam Hogan

Lunch (1pm–1:30pm)

Welcome back (1:30pm–1:40pm): A wee refresh from the morning’s activities and a chance to tell everyone what you ate for lunch.

Panel 2 (1:40–2:25pm): Worlds of Fantasy. Imagined worlds are often inspired by real-world locations, people and circumstances. Fantasy writers draw from experience to create new realities, populated by strange and familiar creatures and characters. Join moderator Shona Kinsella and panellists Suniti Namjoshi, David Green, and Anna Smith Spark as they chat about their favourite fantasy worlds and how they approach creating them.. Find out more about our panel here.

Reading (2:25–2:40pm): Allen Stroud

Guest spotlight & reading (2:40–3:10pm): Suniti Namjoshi, interviewed by Farah Mendlesohn.

Break (3:10pm–3:25pm)

Reading (3:25–3:40pm): Melissa Ren

Panel 3 (3:40–4:25pm): 21st Century Horror. A quarter way through this century and it’s time for a review! How has horror changed since the coming of the Millenium Bug? What has stuck? Join moderator Allen Stroud and panellists Sarah Pinborough, C.C. Adams, and Stephen Gallagher to discuss their works, their inspiration and their dark pleasures. Find out more about our panel here.

Reading (4:25–4:40pm): Garrett Boatman

Break (4:40–4:55pm)

Guest spotlight & reading (4:55–5:25pm): Sarah Pinborough, interviewed by Ann Landmann.

Reading (5:25–5:40pm): Jendia Gammon

WFC Chat plus Q&A (5:40–6pm): All the information you need about WFC and chance to ask any questions.

Find more information on our fabulous readers and where to buy their books by clicking here. And you can find all our guest spotlighters and their interviewers here.

Please note: You should receive a confirmation email when you buy your ticket, plus a second email with the Zoom link to join. If you don’t, please contact Pam via email: onlineevents@britishfantasysociety.org

Register Now:

Ticket type: Ticket Qty: Per Ticket Price:
BFS Member
39 Left:
Free
Non-member
29 Left:
£5.00
Quantity: Total

Event FAQs

This is an online event. What do I need to attend?

You need a computer or device (phone/tablet) capable of using Zoom and an internet connection.

I don't have a Zoom account.

You will need a Zoom account to participate, but an account is free to create and use. Just go here to make one.

I have difficulty hearing. Will I be able to enjoy this event?

All our online events have closed captioning, enabling those with hearing difficulties to follow everything.

Do I need to be a BFS member?

No. Everyone is welcome to attend our online events, although BFS members do get free entry. There are lots of great reasons to join, so we hope you'll consider it. You can join here.

Do you have a Code of Conduct?

Yes, we do. You can find our policy here.

Will the event be available to view later?

Yes, the event will be recorded and will be available for ticket holders to view at a later date.

What happens if I don't receive a link to the event?

You should receive a confirmation from the BFS and then a second email from the website with the joining link. If you don't, please email onlineevents@britishfantasysociety.org as soon as possible.

Total Seats: 80 (68 Left:)

Event Schedule Details

  • 21 June, 2025 10:00 am BST   -   6:00 pm BST
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