Memorabilia is a fan convention event held in the United Kingdom since 1994 for fans and collectors of movie, television and sporting memorabilia. The event takes place twice a year (usually March and November) at the NEC Birmingham, attracting over 30,000 visitors and about 250 traders. It has in previous years been held three times a year, and with additional events in other locations (notably London, Manchester, and Glasgow).
In addition to the trading and marketing aspects of Memorabilia, there are also guest appearances from television and film actors and sporting celebrities. Many sign autographs and pose for photographs. Personalities who have appeared at Memorabilia include:
Film and television
The cast of 'Allo 'Allo!
Andrew Secombe, Watto in the Star Wars prequels
Annette Badland, who has appeared in the films Little Voice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and television's Coronation Street
Colin Baker, a former Doctor Who
Tom Baker, a former Doctor Who
David Carradine, Bill in the Kill Bill movies
George Lazenby, a former James Bond
George Romero, horror movie director
Leslie Phillips, veteran actor recently seen in Venus
Michael Madsen, star of Reservoir Dogs, the Kill Bill movies and Sin City
Don Calfa, star of The Return of the Living Dead and Chopper Chicks in Zombietown
Craig Charles, most famous for his role as Lister in Red Dwarf and presenter of Robot Wars
Kenny Baker, R2D2 from Star Wars
Jack Coleman, star of Heroes
Linda Blair, best known as Regan in horror movie The Exorcist
Robert Llewellyn, best known for his role as Kryten from Red Dwarf and presenter of Scrapheap Challenge
Ian Wright, record-breaking Arsenal striker
Jake LaMotta, champion boxer and subject of the movie Raging Bull
Smokin' Joe Frazier, former World Heavyweight Champion boxer
Peter Shilton, former England goalkeeper
Trevor Francis, the first million-pound English player
Torrie Wilson, WWE wrestler
Memorabilia was purchased by events company MCM Expo Group in recent years and since then it has undergone significant change from a trade-focused event in order to attract a wider public audience. Developments have included guest Q&A sessions, screening areas and gaming tournaments.
Celebrity guests were originally found dotted around the hall but in recent shows have been placed together in a special guest area.
