World Science Fiction Convention heads to Dublin for 2019.
For the first time in history of the World Science Fiction Convention, the convention will take place in Dublin, Ireland in 2019. Dublin was confirmed as the location at Worldcon 75 currently taking place in Helsinki Finland.
Dublin 2019 will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin from August 15th-19th 2019.
Dublin 2019 chair James Bacon said, “The whole team are delighted to be bringing the Worldcon to Ireland for the first time. It’s a huge achievement and we are very proud to be able to welcome thousands of fans to this beautiful country that is steeped in storytelling. We have fantastic guests and we will building an exciting programme covering all aspects of science fiction, fantasy and horror in all media, including prose, comics, art, film, cosplay, science, TV to name a few in what will be a fabulous celebration here in Dublin.”
The Worldcon is held in a different city every year and usually has around 5,000 attendees from around the globe. Some of the highlights of the five day event include the Hugo Awards, the Masquerade and programming that runs all five days with a thousand items including panels, talks, workshops, films and autograph sessions.
The Guests of Honour range from writers to scientists including – Bill and Mary Burns, Diane Duane, Ginjer Buchanan, Ian McDonald, Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Steve Jackson.
Bill and Mary Burns (New York): Avid readers who have attended Worldcon since 1967. Bill was the recipient of the Doc Weir Award in 2003 and both were Fan Guests of Honour at Eastercon LX.
Diane Duane (Wicklow): Diane’s first novel was published in 1979 and have sold more than fifty other novels during her career.
Ginjer Buchanan (New York): Ginjer has over fifty years in fandom and over 30 years as professional editor. She has been nominated for the Best Editor- Long Form Hugo six times and won in 2014.
Ian McDonald (Belfast): Is a writer who has over written 20 novels and numerous short stories. In addition he has also worked in programme development in Ireland. He has won awards for his short fiction as well as novels.
Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Lurgan Co Armagh): Jocelyn is a Northern Irish astrophysicist who as a postgraduate student discovered the first radio pulsars.
Steve Jackson (Texas): Steve is a game designer by trade who owns Steve Jackson Games. He has received 12 Origin Awards as well as various other honours for game design.
