Will the programme be different on each day or the same?
The programme will be the same on the Saturday and the Sunday. We therefore advise you to purchase a ticket for one of the days only. Please note cast and crew appearances are subject to change.
I read somewhere that children are banned from this event. Is this true?
This is absolutely not the case but we would advise that the event programme is being put together with an adult audience in mind. For several years we have had requests from our adult fans for a full-scale Doctor Who Convention and with this in mind we are aiming to stage a top-quality event that brings the script to screen process to life for attendees. We have a wide-ranging programme in place with live demonstrations; Q&A sessions and talks from the cast and crew of Doctor Who. Whilst none of the material covered will be unsuitable for children we are mindful that the presentation style and informative nature of some of the events may not suit a child’s idea of a ‘Doctor Who day out’. The Doctor Who convention is just one element of a series of live events we have staged from the Doctor Who Live tour in 2010 to the Doctor Who Experience which were more tailored to families and we will have many more Doctor Who events to look forward to in 2012 and 2013 to cater for all age-ranges.
Is there an age limit on attendance?
No, however the event is recommended for adults rather than children.
Why do I have to pay to have an autograph or photograph with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill?
We have a limited amount of guaranteed time with Matt, Karen and Arthur in which to take photographs or have items signed by them. The photographs will be taken by a professional photographer and will be studio quality prints. To moderate the time available with Matt, Karen and Arthur for this activity we have placed a set amount of places on sale. This is by no means the only chance conference attendees will have to see them in person but it does guarantee the opportunity to have a photograph or autograph with them.
Why are you going to run a competition for this opportunity with Steven Moffat but not Matt Smith?
After consultation with Steven we decided to offer places for a guaranteed autograph signing or photography opportunity with him on a complimentary basis as part of a competition. Fans who had already booked places for this session were informed and immediately refunded. It is a common feature for conventions to offer an autograph opportunity as part of the ticket price or for attendees to pay to have autographs and photographs with cast members. We only have a limited amount of guaranteed time with Matt for this opportunity so we cannot offer it as part of the ticket price to every fan attending, instead we have provided the option for fans to book that guaranteed time with him for photographs and autographs. This is by no means the sole focus of the Official Doctor Who Convention and attendees will have other opportunities to see Matt Smith in person.
When will you release details of other cast members appearing?
As soon as we have additional guests signed up we will publish the details on our website, our newsletter, Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Will I have opportunity to meet the cast throughout the day?
We have designed the event to be different from other unofficial conventions in that the focus is on offering fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the making of Doctor Who with interactive demonstrations from the production and prosthetics crew. Photo and autograph opportunities are therefore limited, but fans will have the opportunity to pose questions to the cast during the Q&A sessions.
Will there be any organised activities for fans in the evenings?
There will be no officially organised events in the evenings.
Will the Convention include a tour around the BBC Drama Studios?
The Convention will take place entirely in the Millennium Centre and will not include a tour of the BBC Drama Studios.
Will there be chance to try the make up/prosthetics for myself?
Due to health and safety regulation only the prosthetics artists themselves will be performing demonstrations on designated models.
What will be available to assist visitors with disabilities or special needs?
The Official Doctor Who Convention facilitates many special access requirements. Please click here for further details. We want to help all of our visitors get the most out of the Conventionso feel free to contact us in advance of your visit by emailing contact@dwconvention.com or calling Social Events on 0844 583 7777
How long will the day last?
Convention doors will open at 9.00am and will close at 6.00pm so you will be able to enjoy a full day of action-packed Doctor Who activity.
What time should I arrive?
We advise people to arrive at the venue just before the doors open at 9.00am. Queues will be processed quickly and the programme of events will not begin until 9.30am.
How do I get to the Millennium Centre?
The Millennium Centre is located in Cardiff Bay and is easily accessible from the city centre by car or public transport. Please see our VISITING section of the website for more details.
Can I get food or drink at the event?
There are several cafes onsite offering refreshments and lunch. There are also plenty of restaurants in Cardiff Bay if you wish to pop out for lunch and return later.
Is there any way I can keep in touch?
Please sign up to our newsletter HERE.
Am I able to take photographs during the day?
Commercial filming (and flash photography) is prohibited and the filming of any copyright materials (such as screenings) is prohibited. Only handheld recording devices are permitted and we reserve the right to refuse entry for items which we reasonably consider to be recording devices which are or might be used for commercial purposes.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, there are 2 on site and are free to use.
Can I buy a ticket on the day?
All tickets are to be sold in advance and no tickets will be available on the day
Can I buy a ticket on eBay?
Tickets can only be bought directly through our Official Convention Box Office (TixMe) as ID will be required for on-door ticket collection.
Is photo ID required? If so do you discourage dressing up?
Yes ID is required but we do not discourage dressing up as long as appropriate ID is produced.
Will you refund tickets if I buy them in advance and find out I can’t go?
No refunds will be offered under these circumstances.
If I find I cannot go, can I transfer my ticket to another name?
All tickets are non transferrable.
Will you be holding any future events outside Cardiff?
There are currently no plans for events outside of Cardiff.