Monopoly Events is a Manchester-based event organizer known for its three main brands of fan conventions: Comic Con, For the Love of..., and Comic Con Mania. Founded in 2015 by Andy Kleek, the company has turned his passion for prop building, vintage toys, and all things ’80s into a successful business.
Given Kleek’s love of all things retro, it’s no surprise that Monopoly Events’ lineup includes a retro-themed convention. For the Love of Retro is part of the company’s expansion to the Midlands region. In June 2024, Monopoly Events held the inaugural Comic Con Midlands in Telford. The following year, the organizers added a second event in Birmingham. The Birmingham edition took place in July, while the Telford event was moved to September.
In 2026, Comic Con Midlands in Birmingham went on as planned, while the Telford edition was replaced with a new convention titled For the Love of Retro. Following the format of other Monopoly Events conventions, it had a specific focus on media from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, ranging from Beverly Hills, 90210 to Hercules to Gremlins.
The inaugural convention’s lineup was divided into three sections (For the Love of 00s, For the Love of 90s, and For the Love of the 80s) and included Josh Holloway, Adrian Edmondson, Christopher Ryan, Ariana Richards, Joseph Mazzello, Dean Norris, RJ Mitte, Luis Moncada, Steven Bauer, Heather Locklear, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Gabrielle Carteris, Lindsay Wagner, Morgan Fairchild, Neil Fanning, Jane Seymour, Tia Carrere, Vernon Wells, Steven Berkoff, Tate Donovan, Roger Bart, Lorenzo Lamas, Caroline Bliss, Patsy Kensit, Ricky Tomlinson, Zach Galligan, and other actors from classic movies and TV series.
Celebrity events at For the Love of Retro include stage panels, autograph sessions and photo ops. Tickets for autographs and photos are purchased separately, but an admission ticket is still required to enter the event. In addition to the celebrity events, the convention program includes retro props and set builds, a cosplay competition, retro gaming areas, trader and artist areas, and other activities that fans of all things retro will enjoy.
Like all Monopoly Events conventions, For the Love of Retro offers several ticket options: Early Entry (Saturday, Sunday, or weekend), Standard Entry (Saturday, Sunday, or weekend), and Diamond Passes (Saturday, Sunday, or weekend). Early and standard entry tickets are available in three price brackets: infant (under 4), concession (ages 5–9), and standard (ages 10 and up).
Photo: fortheloveofretro.co.uk
