For the Love of Fantasy – Complete Guide to London 2026
What Is For the Love of Fantasy?
For the Love of Fantasy (also For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi)
Monopoly Events
ExCeL London, Royal Docks, London
22–23 August 2026
For the Love of Fantasy is a fan convention organised by Monopoly Events and marketed as the UK’s number one fantasy fan convention. The event focuses on fantasy and supernatural themes, featuring cast appearances, interactive sets, cosplay, immersive gaming, and large-scale fan experiences. The first edition took place at ExCeL London in August 2024, and a second edition has been announced for 22–23 August 2026 at the same venue.
The convention’s promotional language references vampires, werewolves, wizards, orcs, witches, hobbits, demons, and monsters. It is positioned as a destination for fans of fantasy and sci-fi television and film.
- For the Love of Fantasy is a relatively new UK fantasy convention that debuted in August 2024 at ExCeL London.
- The event features celebrity guests from popular fantasy and sci-fi franchises, including The Vampire Diaries.
- Tickets are sold via TicketQuarter and are available in standard, VIP, and Diamond Pass tiers.
- Attendee reviews from 2024 were mixed, with praise for guest quality but criticism of panel organisation and seating.
- Organiser Monopoly Events has announced a 2026 edition, indicating the event is ongoing despite some early logistical issues.
- There is no confirmed Manchester edition; the primary location is London.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi |
| First Edition | 17–18 August 2024 |
| Venue | ExCeL London, Royal Docks, London |
| 2026 Edition | 22–23 August 2026 |
| Ticket Range | Standard, VIP, Diamond Pass |
| Organiser | Monopoly Events |
| Official Website | fortheloveoffantasy.com |
| Ticket Seller | ticketquarter.co.uk |
When and Where Is For the Love of Fantasy?
London or Manchester?
All official editions of For the Love of Fantasy have been held at ExCeL London. The question of a Manchester edition has circulated among fans, but Monopoly Events has not confirmed any plans for a second venue. The primary and only announced location remains London.
ExCeL London Venue
ExCeL London is located in the Royal Docks area, postcode E16 1XL. The venue is accessible by DLR, Jubilee line, and offers on-site hotels. The 2024 event used this location, and the 2026 edition will return there.
2026 Dates
The next edition is scheduled for –. Standard entry options include 9AM and 11AM start times on both Saturday and Sunday, with a weekend entry ticket also available.
No official announcement has been made about a Manchester edition. The confusion may stem from other events or wishful thinking among fans. The only confirmed location is London.
How to Get Tickets for For the Love of Fantasy
Ticket Types and Prices
Tickets are sold through TicketQuarter. Available categories include Standard Entry Saturday (9AM or 11AM), Standard Entry Sunday (9AM or 11AM), and Standard Entry Weekend. Additional add-ons include guest autograph tickets, guest photograph tickets, afterparty tickets, and souvenir lanyards. A key condition is that an entry ticket must be purchased even if you buy photo or autograph tickets – those do not include admission.
What Is the Diamond Pass?
The Diamond Pass is a premium ticket that provides queue-jump privileges at the main entry doors, photo areas, and guest autograph tables. It is limited in number. Only the pass holder may use the Diamond queues; a standard-ticket holder cannot accompany them even if they also have a photo or autograph ticket.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online via TicketQuarter or by phone on 0344 800 0410 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm). The official event website is fortheloveoffantasy.com.
You must have a valid entry ticket to attend, even if you purchase autograph or photo tickets separately. Photo and autograph tickets do not grant admission.
The Diamond Pass is strictly limited. Only the pass holder can use the dedicated queues. Standard ticket holders cannot join, even if they are also getting an autograph or photo.
Who Are the Guests at For the Love of Fantasy?
Announced Guests for 2026
The following guests have been announced for the 2026 event according to the Monopoly Events send-in page: Simon Pegg, Billie Piper, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Edward Furlong, Cara Buono, Arden Cho, Claire Holt, Matt Davis, Sasha Pieterse, Lana Parrilla, and Tom Welling. These names span fantasy, sci-fi, and supernatural franchises.
Vampire Diaries Connection
The convention has a strong focus on supernatural TV fandoms. The 2024 edition referenced The Vampire Diaries, and the 2026 guest list includes Matt Davis (Alaric Saltzman) and Claire Holt (Rebekah Mikaelson), both from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals universe. The official event page also lists fandoms such as Supernatural, True Blood, Twilight, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The 2026 guest list and the event’s promotional language suggest a continued emphasis on vampire and supernatural series. Fans of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Teen Wolf will find multiple guests with connections to these shows.
What Is the Schedule for For the Love of Fantasy?
A full public schedule for the 2026 edition has not yet been released. The event runs on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026, with staggered admission at 9AM and 11AM. Operational deadlines from the send-in page indicate that web orders must be placed and paid for by Thursday 20 August, and send-in items must be received by Monday 17 August. Panel times, photo op slots, autograph sessions, and afterparty timing are expected to be published closer to the event.
- 2024 (Q1–Q2): Announcement of the first For the Love of Fantasy convention in London.
- 17–18 August 2024: First edition held at ExCeL London. Guest appearances include stars from The Vampire Diaries and other fantasy/sci-fi series.
- August 2024: Mixed reviews posted on TripAdvisor and social media, highlighting panel organisation issues.
- Late 2024 / Early 2025: Organiser Monopoly Events teases a 2026 return.
- 2025 (active): Ticket sales for 2026 edition open on TicketQuarter. Promo codes circulated via Facebook.
- Summer 2026: Second edition scheduled for 22–23 August 2026.
What Are the Reviews of For the Love of Fantasy?
Third-party reviews of the 2026 edition are not yet available. The 2024 event received mixed feedback. A TripAdvisor review described it as a “terrible experience” due to panel organisation, insufficient seating, and a low stage that made it difficult for people at the back to see. On the other hand, the convention’s promotional material claims the 2024 launch created “an explosion of excitement across social media”. Attendee opinions generally praised the quality of guest access but noted logistical shortcomings.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| For the Love of Fantasy is an annual fan convention held in London at ExCeL. | The exact dates for the 2026 edition have not been confirmed (research shows 22–23 August, but official site may not have updated). |
| The first event took place on 17–18 August 2024. | Whether a Manchester edition will ever occur is unconfirmed. |
| A 2026 edition has been announced and tickets are on sale. | Whether the guest list for 2026 will include similar stars is unknown beyond the announced names. |
| Guests from The Vampire Diaries attended the 2024 event. | Whether organisational issues from 2024 have been addressed is unclear. |
| Diamond Pass was available as a premium ticket tier. | Promo code availability and terms change frequently and are not guaranteed. |
How Does For the Love of Fantasy Compare to Other UK Conventions?
For the Love of Fantasy occupies a niche in the UK fan convention landscape. Unlike broad pop-culture events such as MCM Comic Con or London Film and Comic Con, it focuses exclusively on fantasy and sci-fi TV and film. The 2024 attendee sentiment highlighted strong guest access but weak panel logistics, which may influence planning for 2026. Monopoly Events is actively leveraging its Facebook community of more than 52,000 followers to build loyalty and share updates. The question of a Manchester edition appears to be confusion with other events; no evidence of a second venue exists.
What Do the Official Sources and Attendees Say?
“The UK’s number one fantasy fan convention is held in London the capital city of England!”
— Official Website (fortheloveoffantasy.com)
“After our sell out event last summer, Monopoly Events are delighted to hold the next instalment of ‘For The Love of Fantasy’ London show, taking place at…”
— TicketQuarter listing
“Terrible experience. The panels were terribly organised. Not enough seating, the stage was too low so people at the back were unable to see.”
— TripAdvisor user review, 2024
The official website and ticket seller provide the primary event and ticketing information. Social media channels, particularly the Facebook page, act as community hubs for guest announcements and promo codes. Attendee reviews from the first edition offer a counterpoint, pointing to areas where the organisers may need to improve for 2026.
Is For the Love of Fantasy Worth Attending?
For fans of fantasy and supernatural series, the guest lineup and immersive atmosphere offer a compelling reason to attend, especially if organisers address the logistical criticisms from 2024. The Diamond Pass provides significant time-saving benefits, but the ticket price must be weighed against the value of meeting specific guests. Monitoring official channels for updates on schedule, guest announcements, and organisational improvements is advisable before making a decision. Alice in Wonderland Characters – Full List and Guide offers a related look at fantasy character fandom, while Hades 2 Release Date – Full Timeline Price and Game Pass covers another fantasy-themed release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy For the Love of Fantasy tickets at the door?
Tickets are primarily sold online in advance via TicketQuarter. On-the-door availability may depend on capacity; from 2024 reports, advance purchase is recommended.
What is the age restriction for For the Love of Fantasy?
No official restriction has been published. Conventions generally allow all ages, but children under 16 may need an accompanying adult. Check the official site for updates.
Are there any hotels near ExCeL London for the event?
Yes, several hotels are within walking distance or a short DLR ride, including Aloft London ExCeL and Novotel London Excel. Book early as rooms sell out quickly.
How can I get a refund for my For the Love of Fantasy tickets?
Refund policies are set by Monopoly Events and TicketQuarter. Tickets may be non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. Contact TicketQuarter support for specific cases.
What is the afterparty and is it included in my ticket?
Afterparty tickets are available as an optional add-on. They are not included in standard entry or Diamond Pass tickets. Separate purchase is required.
Are professional framing and Certificates of Authentication available?
Yes, the ticket page lists professional framing and Certificates of Authentication as optional extras for autographs and photos.
Will the 2026 guest list include more Vampire Diaries actors?
The announced guests already include Matt Davis and Claire Holt. Additional guests may be revealed closer to the event; no further confirmations have been made.
Can I bring a cosplay weapon to the convention?
The event encourages cosplay, but weapon policies have not been detailed. Attendees should check the official site or Facebook page for rules before bringing props.
More related posts
Man Utd Stone Roses – Jerseys, T-Shirts, Prices Guide
Check if a Vehicle is Taxed – Free Status Check in Seconds
Chris Tarrant – Net Worth, Children, Ex-Wife, and Retirement Explained
Man United 3rd Kit 25/26 – Retro Black Design, Price & Release
Chris Tucker – Net Worth, Movies, Tour 2025 and Biography
Where Is the Champions League Final 2025 – Allianz Arena, Munich Details
Football Players – Top Rankings, Profiles and Team Facts
How to Get Ozempic UK – NHS vs Private Cost Guide 2025
