The three-day event is expected to host over 50,000 participants.
As in previous years, the event takes place at the Poznań International Fairgrounds. Łukasz Kaczmarek from the association told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that Pyrkon is the largest cultural event in Poznań and one of the largest cultural events in Poland.
“For years, this festival has been growing, attracting more and more participants. Pyrkon is primarily funded by ticket sales; the funds raised during the event are used to organize the next, even more exciting one. Although it is the largest fantasy festival in this part of Europe, it is a distinctly non-commercial event. It is prepared throughout the year by a team of about 100 volunteers. During Pyrkon, we are supported by around a thousand volunteers,” he said.
Kaczmarek admitted that a huge support and great opportunity for Pyrkon’s development was the collaboration with the Poznań International Fairgrounds. He added that if the fair space were larger, the event could grow even bigger and attract even more participants.
Foreign guests to grace the festival
The co-organizer of the event admitted that a major draw each year are the invited guests from around the world, including popular actors and renowned creators.
This year, Poznań will welcome, among others, Miranda Otto, an Australian actress best known for her role as Princess Éowyn in the “Lord of the Rings” series, and Kevin McNally, remembered for his role as the pirate Gibbs in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. In total, over 200 guests are expected at the event: authors, actors, creators, as well as representatives from the scientific community.
“I am proud to say that we are now at a stage where guests recommend us to each other. They catch the positive vibe of this event and feel well taken care of here. Importantly, they see that we do not charge additional fees from participants for autographs or photos with guests. Because of this, they are willing to appear with us on very favorable terms,” he said.
A significant portion of the guests invited to Pyrkon are acclaimed book authors and comic creators. This year, Poznań will welcome distinguished figures such as Norwegian writer Siri Pettersen and American author Brent Weeks. Among the Polish authors attending are esteemed fantasy writers Jarosław Grzędowicz and Elżbieta Cherezińska.
Good news for Star Wars enthusiasts
A new feature of this year’s festival will be a “Star Wars” fan zone. “Star Wars” enthusiasts will have the chance to meet Joonas Suotamo, who played the role of Chewbacca in the latest installments.
Every year during Pyrkon, cosplayers can be seen throughout Poznań, dressed as princesses, knights, wizards, or characters from “Star Wars.” Pyrkon co-organizer Laura “Asgardian Fraud” Czerwinski told PAP that for many cosplayers, it is a point of honor to prepare a new costume for each major event. She admitted that in recent years, it has become increasingly easier in Poland to obtain the materials needed to create these costumes.
“You can use anything, even plastic spoons found in some café. However, very specific materials are typically used for cosplay. Of course, many people coming to Pyrkon buy ready-made costumes; cosplay is primarily about fun; there is no obligation to make the costume by yourself,” she said.
Pyrkon will feature a costume rental service and a cosplay photo studio. There will also be a contest for the best project.
The Pyrkon program includes many musical events. Bands such as Nocny Kochanek, the Japanese band Burnout Syndromes, and the band Jeremiah Kane will perform. The Poznań City Orchestra at MPK is preparing a special concert of pieces associated with sci-fi productions.
During the festival, over 300 exhibitors will set up booths at MTP, offering gadgets from well-known and lesser-known universes, as well as unique, handcrafted items.
Last year, Pyrkon attracted over 52,000 people.
The organizer of the festival, the Fantasy Club “Second Era,” is a non-profit association that brings together enthusiasts of literature, games, and films related to fantasy. The club also organizes RPG sessions, board game meetings, and literary discussions. It has over 70 members and supporters.
