Bournemouth’s First Thrilling Alternative Convention

You don’t expect the children of the dark to come out and play when the sun is bright. Yet, on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, that’s exactly what happened. And it was all because Bournemouth had become host to something it had never experienced before.

Minutes away from the grand opening of Bournemouth's first-ever Alternative convention at the Littledown Centre, anticipation turned to tension, leaving every exhibitor with one nagging question: 'What if nobody shows up?'

While a sports hall at a fitness centre isn’t the most thematically ideal location for an event targeted towards the dark yet vibrant alternative culture, it was better than a kick in the teeth. After all, Bournemouth has a large and passionate Alternative community, the members of whom are always eager to support any event that celebrates them instead of chastising them.

But this wasn’t enough for the exhibitors who had come together for the event. Especially as a majority of them had travelled from far and wide to be there, and if they couldn’t sell just a handful of their wares and items, then their bank balances would be more unhealthy than a zombie with a stomach bug.

All across the sports hall, you could see vendors and exhibitors setting up their tables. From healing crystals to Gothic fashion accessories (and even the odd items that should be kept in the bedroom), there was so much variety on display. All of this was framed by the sounds of musicians setting up their instruments and tattooists sharpening their needles, eager to ink any willing punter that came their way.

And in the middle of all of this was yours truly, armed with nothing but a smile on his face, a pair of Brogues on his feet and several copies of his controversial serial killer graphic novel.

I stood amongst the organized chaos of the Littledown Centre, watching vendors frantically put together their displays as their nerves began to get the better of them. The same venue I stood in would host the UKCGF Comic Convention the next day, contrasting sharply with the dark yet alluring atmosphere of the Alternative Convention. With so much on the line, I decided it was time to give my table setup a much-needed makeover, aiming for a look that truly reflected my book’s macabre essence and my own signature style.

Setting up was a marathon, not a sprint. I took my time arranging every item, meticulously positioning my graphic novel to catch the eye of the right kind of reader, and framing it with a couple of morbid curiosities.

Packing down was just as gruelling. Despite the effort, I felt a wave of satisfaction crash over me as my table display came to life.

Due to completing my setup early, I was able to explore the convention freely before the attendees were unleashed upon us. What I saw was a treasure trove of Gothic delights—each stall containing something that made my dark little heart skip a beat. Among my prized finds was a Grand Guignol T-shirt from ‘Chainsaw Prints’—a standout piece I couldn’t resist. (Seriously, check them out. Their website is here.)

But the day was far from over. In fact, it was just about to begin, as the doors opened to the public.

While I was optimistic about a healthy turnout, reality had other plans. The hall felt sparse and empty. But those who did show up were dedicated and enthusiastic. They wore their passion like a badge of honor, proudly embracing the dark and macabre.

Despite the low turnout, my table became a hub of activity. Attendees flocked to explore ‘ED GEIN: DEMON HUNTER,’ their curiosity piqued by the unique concept. Conversations flowed, revealing a shared fascination with Ed Gein and other notorious figures.

One standout moment involved a young man grinning so widely, you couldn’t help but wonder if he had just gotten away with murder. With his mum beside him, I spotted that he had a tattoo of H.H. Holmes on his forearm. As I admired his collection of serial killer tattoos—Manson, Gacy, Ramirez—he proudly pointed out his favorite, The Butcher of Plainfield, prominently inked at the top.

His excitement was revitalizing. My book was a perfect match for his interests, and he wasn’t leaving without a copy. After a chat, I handed him his book, thanking him for his support and expressing that I hoped he would enjoy it.

‘How could I not?’ he said. ‘An Ed Gein graphic novel is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. I know it’s going to be brilliant.’

As the day went on, I met more horror and serial killer enthusiasts. One familiar face shared his love for Peter Cushing and Hammer Horror movies, telling me about a Dahmer-related item he’d acquired.

But as with all events, there were highs and lows. And the low for this convention came in the form of live music that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Don’t get me wrong, I love music, but the Littledown Centre wasn’t exactly a concert hall. The acoustics were dreadful, and despite the musicians' best efforts, the sound boomed in a way that had many attendees walking around with their hands over their ears, especially the younger crowd.

While there were a few standout acts, most of the lineup fell flat. One performer, in particular, seemed to overestimate their talent. Their performance was reminiscent of those X-Factor contestants who think they’re destined for stardom but end up sounding like a typewriter chewing tin foil while being kicked into traffic.

To make matters worse, I accidentally voiced my critique out loud to the vendors at the table next to mine. I could see their shared discomfort every time this performer subjected us to what can only be described as a sonic assault.

In my frustration, I compared her singing to "a Russian couple arguing in an underground car park," only to realize too late that her set had ended and she overheard my comment as she walked by. Her reaction was as dramatic as you’d expect from an egotistical reality show contestant, which only proved my point in an unfortunate way.

While my critique may have been harsh, it mirrored the sentiments of both vendors and attendees who had to endure the performance. And to add insult to injury, her exit marked the end of the convention.

It may have been a modest turnout for the event, and I'm sure the organizers did their best with marketing and advertising. If anyone felt the sting of disappointment, it was likely them. However, this convention proved that quality always trumps quantity. Every attendee entered with a smile, and despite all of us being dressed head to toe in black, they were the happiest bunch I’ve seen in a long time. Their enthusiasm was infectious.

Looking ahead, I’m scheduled for another ‘Alternative Convention’ in Brighton towards the end of June. If it’s even a fraction of the experience Bournemouth delivered, I’ll be one happy little bunny.

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