Ian Beattie will make a special appearance at Edinburgh’s Capital Sci-Fi Con, which raises funds for CHAS
A Game of Thrones star is set to headline a popular charity event.
Actor Ian Beattie is set to make a special appearance at Edinburgh’s Capital Sci-Fi Con on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February, pledging to donate the proceeds of his autograph sales to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (better known as CHAS).
Now in its fifth year, the city’s only not-for-profit family friendly pop culture, comic and movie convention is organised for fans by fans. 2019’s event attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, coming from as far afield as Brazil and Norway. Peter Capaldi gave his time to CHAS in a similar fashion, belting out David Bowie classic Starman to the masses and refusing to leave the building until he’d met the last fan. It raised over £62,000 for CHAS, taking the overall total since 2016 to an out-of-this-world £250,276.
Also appearing at the 2020 edition will be Harry Potter’s David Bradley, Doctor Who legend Colin Baker and many more from the worlds of Star Wars, Jurassic World and beyond will be in attendance. There will be cosplayers, talks, comic book artists, memorabilia stalls, interactive replica prop sets from Batman, Star Trek, Jaws, Gremlins, E.T. and much more. Additional guests and features will continue to be announced in the run up to opening day, Friday 14 February.
Beattie said: “I have heard that CHAS do tremendous work for children, young people and families who are facing the unimaginable all over Scotland and I’m proud they have invited me to my first ever fan event in Edinburgh. I can’t wait to attend Capital Sci-fi Con.”
Keith Armour, founder of Capital Sci-Fi Con, said: “Once more, I'm amazed by the shear generosity of some of our guests. The idea that Ian wishes to attend Capital Sci-Fi Con and donate all money raised by autographs to CHAS speaks words for the sort of man he is. Being a big fan of Game of Thrones myself, I'm honoured to have Ian join us and look forward to shaking his hand and thanking him in person.”
Laura Campbell, senior fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We’re so excited that Ian will be attending Capital Sci-Fi Con 2020, the latest Game of Thrones guest that Keith and his team have successfully brought to Scotland in the five years since the event first kicked off.
“Ian’s generosity of donating his whole autograph fee means a great deal to the charity and is a terrific gesture for the families who receive our care, several of whom enjoy attending the event and cutting loose for the weekend.
“Inclusivity, affordability and accessibility are crucial to us – it has been heartening to see people from different corners of the globe, as well as the Scottish science fiction community, united by this phenomenal event. Tickets to the convention are selling fast so we would advise fans to book now!”
Tickets are available to buy now. Autographs from Ian Beattie will come at a suggested donation of £15.
