Science Fiction WorldCon Glasgow

Every year,  the Science Fiction WorldCon takes place somewhere in the world. This year, it was held in Glasgow.

I don’t go to WorldCon, as it’s called for short, every year. It’s usually too far and too expensive – last year the event was held in China. But when it is held in Europe, you can find me there. So I’ve been twice in Glasgow, once in London , once in Helsinki and once in Dublin .

Of course, it’s not just about science fiction, but about all fantasy genres: SF, fantasy, horror etc. in all kinds of media: books, comics, films, music, art and games etc. There is a regular academic program track in addition to the general and very wide-ranging topics.

From Thursday to Monday there were events: Readings by the better-known authors, discussion rounds and “talk show”-like panels on specific topics, ranging from literature, reception, criticism, futurism debates, workshops, chat meetings with favorite authors* and even a fantasy children’s programme, which some “con-goers” definitely looked at with envy.

There was also a symphony concert with music on the themes of Scotland and film music. It was fantastic in every sense of the word.

Another concert exclusively with pieces from the more well-known games such as Zelda or Baldur’s Gate (and many more) followed the next evening.

There was even a world premiere of a new science fiction opera, Morrow’s Isle. The libretto by guest of honor Ken MacLeod, inspired by the island of Dr. Moreau. The music by Gary Lloyd.

I was on stage for two programme items:

“Why We Fall in Love with Filk” mit

Dell Christy
Ju Honisch
Karl-Johan Norén
TJ Burnside Clapp (moderator)

“So You Want to Write a Filk Song”

Alexandra Beaumont (moderator)
Dr. Mary C Crowell
Ju Honisch
N.L. Bates

The best thing about WorldCon, however, is that it has visitors from all over the world. You get to know literature from countries where you didn’t even know there were fantasy authors. You get to know new myths from distant cultures. And you get to know wonderful people from all these regions. Communication is informal and spontaneous. And if, like me, you’re already a middle-aged regular of international fandom, you also meet people you’ve met sporadically at events over the last few decades. Even if there are years between the last meeting and this one, it’s as if no time at all has passed in the meantime.

Fan-tastic!