The Joker rubbed shoulders with the Ghostbusters and The Mandalorian at Hunter Sports Centre on Saturday, as hundreds of fans turned out for the return of Lake Mac's POP BAM! festival.
The festival celebrates pop culture icons and the fans that make them special with attendees going to great lengths to dress the part.
The celebration transformed the Glendale venue into a hub of cosplay, tabletop gaming, live-action battles, movie vehicle displays, markets and creative workshops, drawing devotees of fantasy, sci-fi, gaming, comics and film from across the region.
Flynn Hellawell, dressed as a spot-on Dark Knight era joker, said it was great to get to have an event close to home.
"I don't mind going to Sydney for the bigger events like comic con, but it is great to have an event here for everyone to enjoy together," he said.
He said his Joker had become quite well known in cosplay circles.
"I was going to be the Riddler this year, but I saw that it was going to be cold, so i pulled out the purple jacket that I'm known for."
Among the highlights were costume and art workshops, medieval combat displays and a Q&A with Stephen Hunter, best known for playing Bombur in The Hobbit trilogy, who joined artists, makers, performers and fan groups at the event.
Ahead of the festival, Hunter said events such as POP BAM gave fans the chance to connect with others who shared their passions.
"Without overstating it, events like these are often the highlight of the year for many people - especially if they get to meet and interact with someone in their favourite part of fandom," he said.
"I love how cosplay lets people really express their passion and to feel at ease to be themselves without judgement. It's a great place to find your tribe."
Among those at the event were members of the Star Wars 501st Legion, Southern Cross Garrison, and the local Ghostbusters fan group, including Paul Hempsall, who said POP BAM continued to offer a welcoming space for fans, makers and creative communities.
"They're also safe spaces. Everyone there is a geek just like you, so there's no judgement - it's just a celebration of whatever your fandoms happen to be, and a chance for everyone to appreciate what everyone else has made and pulled off," he said.
"For fans, it's finding out there's a whole community locally who are just as into it as they are. That's how most of our members found us in the first place."
Lake Macquarie City Council manager arts, culture and tourism Jacqui Hemsley, whose handmade samurai styled Mandalorian costume was a standout, said the event had again showcased the creativity behind the region's fan communities.
"POP BAM celebrates the fandoms people are passionate about, but it's really the creativity behind them that makes the event special," Ms Hemsley said.
"From handmade costumes and props to artwork, storytelling and performance, the talent on display is always incredible.
"It's also a wonderfully welcoming event where people can connect through shared interests, discover something new and simply have fun.
"Whether you're a lifelong fan or attending for the first time, there's something for everyone."
