The Stars of Time event returns to Weston-super-Mare, near Bristol, this weekend, with Peter Purves headlining the convention.

Purves is best known to Doctor Who fans as First Doctor companion, Steven Taylor, a role he took from The Chase to The Savages, plus numerous Big Finish audio stories; outside of Who, however, he’s most famous for being a presenter of the children’s programme, Blue Peter.

This is Purves’ first time as the event in Weston, although the Stars of Time has run for many years now in the seaside town and has expanded to include a second winter event in Weston and one in Swindon too.

He’ll be joined by Laurie Goode, who has appeared in many 20th Century episodes of Doctor Who (like The Mutants, State of Decay, and Frontios) in uncredited roles.

Also in attendance will be Chris Parsons, who portrayed the double of C3PO, K3PO, Death Star Droid, a Stormtrooper, and more in the Star Wars films.

The Stars of Time also has lots of exhibitors, i.e. shops, and a cosplay parade.

The organiser are teasing new locations and events in 2024, so this might be the last year that Weston’s convention is held at the Tropicana on the sea front. That’s both a shame and a relief, if so — the place has been neglected by North Somerset Council for many, many years, and only Banksy’s Dismaland brought it some attention; it nonetheless has had little work put in to bring it up to expectations. The Tropicana used to be an immense swimming pool for the town, but has fallen into disrepair since its closure. There is at least a cafe at the front, but that’s pretty expensive for what is really a greasy spoon. Still, having a convention at the Tropicana means that people sometimes visit.

You can find out more about the Stars of Time convention, which takes place this weekend — 19th and 20th August 2023 — over at the official website.