Five former Doctor Who stars are the main attraction at this year’s BritSciFi event at Leicester’s National Space Centre. Several of the time-traveller’s companions will also be in attendance, while a number of sci-fi stars from other hit shows will also be in town.
BritSciFi is one of the UK’s largest family and fan events dedicated to all things British and science fiction related, with 2023 a major year in the calendar as it marks 60 years of Doctor Who and 50 years of The Tomorrow People. That diamond anniversary for the Doctor will see five of the famed Doctor’s former selves come to Leicester on Sunday, June 18.
The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eight Doctors - aka actors Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann - are among the key attendees. They will be joined by David Bradley, who in recent years has taken on the mantle of the First Doctor originally played by the late William Hartnell.
READ MORE:Ibiza comes to Leicester’s Morningside Arena with Secret Symphony's 50-piece orchestra
The Doctor cannot travel alone though - even if there are five of him about - and that means some companions will also be in Leicester. On Saturday, June 17, BritSciFi has confirmed that the Third Doctor’s assistant Jo, played by Katy Manning, is among the main stars.
She will be joined by Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred who played Tegan and Ace and travelled with the Fifth and Seventh Doctors respectively. Both returned to the world of Doctor Who last year in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode. Frazer Hines, who starred alongside the Second Doctor, will also be in attendance.
Elsewhere, BritSciFi’s celebrations will also mark 35 years of sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf. This will see the Space Centre play host to Danny John-Jules who starred as Cat in the sitcom, while the ship’s computer Holly - played by Norman Lovett - is also confirmed to appear. Red Dwarf co-creator Doug Naylor is also on the out-of-this-world guest list.
Other highlights across the weekend include ‘Anderson Alley’ which will bring together props, sets and costumes from many of Gerry Anderson’s shows. This spectacle is being hosted by Gerry Anderson’s son, Jamie, who will also be hosting two live shows in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium.
A series of displays, talks and workshops will also be on offer to visitors. The chance to see original costumes and creatures from Doctor Who and chat with Daleks will be there for big sci-fi fans too.
Booking is essential to attend. More information can be found on the National Space Centre website.
For top stories from across Leicestershire and Rutland, sign up to our newsletters here.
READ NEXT:
- I celebrated National Fish and Chip Day with a visit to one of Leicester’s best-loved chippies
- Popular Leicestershire garden centre opens new coffee shop in former duck house
- Fosse Park confirms arrival of three new stores opening this summer
- Most common modern mishap involves a mobile phone
- I try Leicester delicacy with disgusting name for £1 from corner shop and the memories come flooding back
