Richmond upon Thames is set to host its very first convention dedicated to science fiction, fantasy and horror literature, bringing together award-winning and bestselling authors for a full day of talks, panels and book signings.

RichmonCon will take place this Saturday, 20 June from 11am to 9pm, hosted by Books on the Rise Bookshop and organised by local authors Lavie Tidhar and Kim Curran.

The one-day event will welcome a stellar line-up of writers, including million-copy bestselling author Samantha Shannon (The Priory of the Orange Tree), Costa Book Prize winner Frances Hardinge (The Lie Tree), bestselling children's author Louie Stowell (Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good), British Fantasy Award winner Zen Cho (Sorcerer to the Crown), bestselling author Catriona Ward (The Last House on Needless Street), horror legend Kim Newman (Anno Dracula), and World Fantasy Award winner Lavie Tidhar (Central Station).

They will be joined by rising stars of SFF including M.H. Ayinde (A Song of Legends Lost), India-Rose Bower (We Call Them Witches) and Rogba Payne (The Dance of Shadows), and many more.

Organiser and author Lavie Tidhar said: "Richmond can have the perception of being a little stuffy.

"We wanted to shake that up with an event full of spaceships and dragons and everything in-between. And hopefully this can become an annual event."

Attendees can expect panel discussions exploring children's literature, horror fiction, worldbuilding, mythology, plus a lively battle of words between science fiction and fantasy authors.

In addition, authors will also be available for book signings.

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Organisers say that RichmonCon represents an exciting addition to the borough's cultural calendar, aiming to bring readers, writers and families together while showcasing the best of imaginative storytelling.

They also hope the first of its kind event can become a new annual tradition for the local community.

"We're hugely excited about all the wonderful guests who agreed to take part," said author and co-organiser Kim Curran. "This will truly be an event like none Richmond has ever seen."

Books on the Rise is an independent books and record shop offering a curated selection of exciting, diverse and multicultural books and music.

As well as books, refreshments will be available to buy in store throughout the day, making RichmondCon a welcoming community event where readers can relax, discover new books and authors, while connecting with fellow fans.

Manager of Books on the Rise Patrick Jones added: "Tickets have almost sold out but there will be a few standing tickets available on the door and anyone can attend the signings after the talks."

To learn more about RichmondCon and to secure tickets click here.

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