Shoalhaven Superheroes Festival founder David Arakie said the event was an outstanding success.  

“We had major participants from Sydney come down for this from Icon, Studio Collectables, Party Pirates and the Cosplay patron,” Mr Arakie said.

“All our venue hosts had representatives there; it was just tremendous, we are so happy with the support we are getting locally. 

“Part of the excitement is getting big names like Madman and FilmInc who are major organisations in the pop culture industry now supporting our event. 

“Their media reach is huge, they have a massive national audience, it is a way for us to grow our festival.”

The event was co-hosted by TAFE Nowra teachers and students and the Shoalhaven Superheroes Festival organisers.

“We have a three-year partnership with TAFE, working with their certificate III beverage and certificate III events and tourism students,” Mr Arakie said.

“Part of that is to work with them in their field and give them practical experience working at an event. They did a fantastic job. 

“It featured the working partnership with TAFE, the students were all in costume and we all had fun, they were the goals and they were achieved.”

Guests at the fully booked event were invited to dress in costume or wear a mask in true superhero style, with prizes awarded for best outfit.

“Virtually everybody dressed up, VIPs, guests, students, members of The Villains band, sponsors, partners and all the participants.”

It was the first time the event had been held in the public domain as a way to promote the week-long Berry Pop and Shoalhaven Superheroes festival later this year. 

“There will be 20 events held throughout the week at 15 different locations,” Mr Arakie said.

“The festival kicks off at the Berry Pop concert at the showground and is led by band The Villains on September 27 and culminates in the Pop Culture Expo on October 3 and 4.

“There will also be a volunteer awards night, where we honour community superheroes, it’s one of our main goals to give back to the community.”