A POP-culture explosion with superheroes and villains is returning to Dovercourt.

The Essex Comic Con is heading back to the town’s skating rink for the second year running.

The event will bring together a host of screen stars and cosplayers who will be able to meet and greet visitors throughout the day.

The comic con will have a range of famous movie characters from Storm Troopers to Ghostbusters for guests to have photos taken with.

There will also be stalls selling a range of gifts, arts and crafts, as well as food stands, drink stalls and rides for youngsters.

Chris Scutt, owner of Dovercourt Skating Rink, said: “Last year was our first one and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

“This year is going to be bigger and better.

“We are supporting SOS wrestling again, live music, film stars, having a cosplay competition, and we have a number of related stalls new to the area to browse and it should generally be a great day.

“Harwich Town Council has allowed us to use the land next door to the rink this year so we have been able to do more.”

Movie stars who are appearing at the rink again this year include Michael Ballantyne who starred as the Joker’s henchman in The Dark Knight, and Doctor Who extra Nick Joseph.

For last year’s successful event famous actors including Peter Roy, who starred as a wizard extra in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, descended into the rink.

There was also a chance to meet with Star Wars’ Chewbacca or an original Stormtrooper.

There was also a collection of cosplayers dressing up as characters, from the infamous Harley Quinn and the Joker to Beauty and the Beast.

The all-day event is being held at the venue in Lower Marine Parade on Sunday, June 24.

It is running from 10am until 4pm.

Tickets can be bought on simplyskating.co.uk.