Southampton will be turning Japanese in March when Minami Con goes Back to School to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The convention started back in the 1990s with just four video rooms showing anime, a quiz, masquerade, some karaoke, artist alley, dealer’s room and a games room, but has grown into a themed events-focused showcase with a vast range of panels, workshops, games, competitions and highlight features.

Taking place at the city's Novotel Hotel from 8-10 March 2019, the event kicks off on Friday night with the Minami Matsuri and a variety show; while Saturday sees staples such as the masquerade and karaoke; with Sunday more chilled out with the Cosplay Cafe.

Panels and workshops include Gundam Speed Building, cooking and cosplay; while DDR:UK does an amazing job running the games room bringing in actual games machines, along with quite a few consoles.

The dealers’ room attracts a mix of traders with commercial companies side by side with fan artists offering everything from DVDs and model kits, to Japanese snacks and drinks.

For more information on Minami Con visit the website.