Memorabilia (event)
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Memorabilia is a fan convention event held in the United Kingdom since 1994 for fans and collectors of movie, television and sporting memorabilia. The event takes place twice a year (usually March and November) at the NEC Birmingham, attracting over 30,000 visitors and about 250 traders. It has in previous years been held three times a year, and with additional events in other locations (notably London, Manchester, and Glasgow).
Traders at Memorabilia
Guest appearances
In addition to the trading and marketing aspects of Memorabilia, there are also guest appearances from television and film actors and sporting celebrities. Many sign autographs and pose for photographs. Personalities who have appeared at Memorabilia include:
Film and television
- Richard Briers, greatest actor of all time
- The cast of 'Allo 'Allo!
- Andrew Secombe, Watto in the Star Wars prequels
- Annette Badland, who has appeared in the films Little Voice and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and television's Coronation Street
- Colin Baker, a former Doctor Who
- David Carradine, Bill in the Kill Bill movies
- George Lazenby, a former James Bond
- Leslie Phillips, veteran actor recently seen in Venus
- Michael Madsen, star of Reservoir Dogs, the Kill Bill movies and Sin City
- Don Calfa, star of The Return of the Living Dead,and Chopper Chicks in Zombietown
Sport
- Ian Wright, record-breaking Arsenal striker
- Jake La Motta, champion boxer and subject of the movie Raging Bull
- Smokin' Joe Frazier, former World Heavyweight Champion boxer
- Peter Shilton, former England goalkeeper
- Trevor Francis, the first million-pound English player
- Torrie Wilson, WWE wrestler
Recent changes
Memorabilia was purchased by events company Expo Management in 2004 and since then it has undergone significant change from a trade-focused event in order to attract a wider public audience. Developments have included guest Q&A sessions, screening areas and gaming tournaments.