Numbers Explode as Armageddon visits Hamilton and Wellington

June 11, 2014

Numbers Explode as Armageddon visits Hamilton and Wellington

The popularity of New Zealand’s pulp culture event, the Armageddon Expo continues to grow exponentially with huge numbers attending the most recent events in both Hamilton and Wellington regions.

Beyond Reality Media Director Bill Geradts believes the answer to the continual growth of audience numbers is simple, “People are realising that these events are not just for fans,” he says.

“They’re energetic, fun filled days which anyone regardless of what you’re into – whether it’s gaming, comic books, anime, cult films, current popular TV series or whatever can come along and enjoy themselves.”

Final figures show an 8% increase in attendance at the Armageddon Expo in Hamilton, with 13,000 coming along to the May event, while Wellington had a huge weekend of 22,000, a 10% increase of people heading to the Westpac Stadium over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

“While Auckland remains our largest New Zealand event, it’s fantastic to see fans in Hamilton and Wellington really embracing the Armageddon culture” says Bill.

As well as embracing the unique spirit of the event, Wellingtonians generously contributed to the Child Cancer Foundation Fundraising effort taking place over the long weekend, organised and manned by local airsoft club WMA (Wellington Milsim Airsoft), raising a fantastic $24,794!

Of course, a main attraction of the Armageddon Expo is the opportunity for fans to meet their on-screen heroes in person, but it’s a feeling that goes both ways says Bill.

“We find that our guests really do enjoy coming to New Zealand; they love chatting with the crowd in the panel sessions about their character or show and meeting them in person at their autograph or signing sessions,” he says.

“In fact a number of guests have wanted to come back to New Zealand more than once so they can experience the Armageddon Expo in each region of the country, as the fans are all slightly different but also so welcoming and appreciative” he says.

As well as the big names, huge exhibitors and the biggest display of costumed cult-fans that gather in one place, its events like the infamous Kamehameha competition, Cosplay contest and classic Fear Factor Challenge that keep the adrenalin flowing throughout the event.

From its inception in 1995, the Armageddon Expo has grown to become the largest fantasy event in Australasia. With shows in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Melbourne and Hamilton, the Armageddon Expo embodies the ever-growing pulp culture phenomenon.

With Auckland’s line-up starting to be revealed and some big names to be announced, Bill is looking forward to an impressive October event at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.

“While we’re currently gearing up for the Auckland event in October, fans in Hamilton and Wellington can be assured we’re already onto securing them some fantastic guests and exhibits for 2015.”

To keep up with the list of stars and events happening at the Auckland Armageddon Expo go to www.armageddonexpo.com

The Armageddon Expo 2014
Friday October 24th – Monday October 27th, 2014
ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane
Auckland
Friday: 6pm – 9pm / Saturday to Monday: 10am – 6pm daily

ENDS

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