Newcastle is set to host its very own dedicated pop-culture convention for the first time, with Newy-Con launching at the 2025 Newcastle Show. The event is the brainchild of local cosplay expert and creative force Simon Wait, who declares it's time the city had its own major gathering for fans.
From Comic Shop Dreams to Convention Reality
Simon Wait is no stranger to the local pop-culture scene. The former owner of the beloved Wallsend store Heroes and More is a renowned costume creator, known for building intricate, full-size suits of characters like Iron Man, Bumblebee, and the Predator. For Wait, Newy-Con is a passion project born from years of involvement in the community.
"I am part of Lake Mac Pop Bam and have been a guest since it began," Wait told Weekender. "I worked with the Newcastle Show last year and was also commissioned to create the mascot, Astro." His role expanded to appearing as characters including Batman and Leonardo, setting the stage for a larger event.
As head creative director of Newy-Con, Wait is collaborating with directors Jay Vecchio and Ryan Adams, plus a team of local cosplayers and creators, to bring the vision to life. The convention aims to be a comprehensive celebration of all things geek, from movies and TV to gaming and cosplay competitions.
What Fans Can Expect at Newy-Con
The inaugural Newy-Con promises a packed programme designed by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Entry to the convention will be free for anyone who purchases a ticket to the broader Newcastle Show, making it an accessible addition to the annual event.
Wait outlines an exciting schedule featuring panel discussions where creators reveal the secrets behind their suits and props. The team hopes to secure special guest appearances and will definitely host a range of merchandise vendors and artists. Interactive events and cosplay competitions will round out the offering, creating a dynamic hub for the Hunter's fan community.
The Self-Taught Artist Behind the Masks
Wait's journey into costume fabrication is a story of self-driven artistry. A former finalist in the prestigious Doug Moran Portrait Prize in 2001 for his sketching, he shifted his focus after making a screen-accurate Iron Man suit for his 40th birthday party. "My artistry kind of converted to my costume and prop-making," he explains.
What began as a hobby for charity work has evolved into a highly skilled craft. Through trial and error, Wait has achieved professional recognition. In a major career highlight, Paramount Pictures commissioned him to build a wearable 10-foot Bumblebee suit for the Sydney premiere of 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' in 2023—a project he completed in just six weeks.
Despite his convention accolades and awards, Wait's day job for two decades has been as an assisted school transport driver. He and his wife Melanie ran Heroes and More for seven years, creating a community hub before the pressures of small business ownership, compounded by COVID-19, forced its closure.
The spirit of that store, however, lives on. Wait and his team of cosplayers continue to bring joy to events across the region. His ultimate dream is to take his formidable prop-making skills into the movie industry itself. For now, his focus is on making Newy-Con a landmark event for Newcastle's growing pop-culture landscape.
