SILVER SCREAM CON LONDON
Silver Scream Convention London
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
What do you get when you bring Michael Myers, Pinhead, and the cast of Terrifier together in one room set to the intense music of Ice Nine Kills? Well, you get Silver Scream Con London.
Having become a staple in the US, with the first event held in Massachusetts in 2022, Silver Scream Con quickly became a fan favourite. Born from the creative mind of Spencer Charnas, the convention has just wrapped up its fourth edition. This time, the event finally landed on the doorstep of The Cumberland Hotel in London. And I’m pretty sure they had no idea what they had opened their doors to.
Famously, Ice Nine Kills have mastered the art of mixing horrorcore with their music, even going on to team up with what is now undoubtedly the biggest horror franchise in recent years: the Terrifier. Of course, the night before, the band had set OVO Wembley Arena on fire with their final night of their Work of Art tour. You can read all about the gruesomely gorgeous evening here.
The two-day convention became a gathering place for psychos (INK fandom) to meet their favourite actors, shop, and attend panels covering a wide range of horror-themed topics.
Panels held by Ryan J Downey, who curated them fantastically and smoothly. Fans had their chance to ask questions of the likes of Rose McGowan on the ‘Her Numbers Up!’ panel. While the lead actors from Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey shared their experiences before and after filming the ‘Hundred Acre Woodchipper’. The day was rounded off with an RIP party panel with Spencer Charnas, followed by the RIP party with Sam J B.
The Terrifier cast was also in full attendance. Director Damien Leone spoke about the franchise and noted how he "continues to be surprised at just how massively the franchise has been received since the beginning." He also spoke of “his love for London and the love shared from the fans.” Teasing us, “To wait for 2026, when we look forward to Art the Clown terrifying fans once again.”
Creeper held a signing session earlier in the day, meeting fans before taking to their own panel to discuss their current era with the release of their new album, Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death. During the talk they shared their own love of horror and how it continues to influence their music and visuals.
Going on to talk about their just-announced tour, with the aim of focusing on smaller, grassroots venues in support of vital spaces within the music scene. One new fan even got the chance to ask the band how they would describe their style and sound. Having only discovered them the night before while watching them support Ice Nine Kills.
If that wasn’t enough, the vendor room was a horror fan's dream bursting with nostalgia. The space offered 80s slasher merchandise from Nightmare on Elm Street to campy classics such as Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Even fans who may have missed out on the Ice Nine Kills tour merchandise had no fear, as they were catered to.
And speaking of fans, they were naturally at the heart of the convention. Cosplay is a staple in many fandoms, and they did not disappoint. Fans dressed as varying incarnations of Art the Clown, Leatherface, and characters from the INK lore. These outfits made for picture-perfect moments during the photo op slots throughout the day.
David Howard Thornton told us that in the early days of the Terrifier, he was surprised by just how quickly the franchise grew in popularity. While now he’s used to the madness and chaos that comes with playing Art the Clown, he remains incredibly grateful for the love, particularly on days like today meeting UK fans. He went on to highlight the impressive effort fans put into their costumes and how they’ve embraced both his character and the work of the cast.
You could tell this event was wanted and felt like a completely different world to the Christmas madness outside. In many ways Silver Scream Con felt like our very own winter wonderland; as fans of both horror and Ice Nine Kills, it felt like Christmas truly came early. A place for friends to gather, make memories, and collect merchandise. We will be waiting patiently in hopes for a Silver Scream Con 2.
RECAP BY: KIRSTY BRIGHT & PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
