By Tess Woolcock
Tens of thousands of people crammed into pop culture expo Armageddon in Auckland on Saturday, with organisers calling it the biggest turn-out they've ever seen.
Over 60,000 people are expected over the long weekend, and although some did wear masks, plenty more came in costumes.
There were stormtroopers, spidermen, and even a wolverine. Cosplay was aplenty in Auckland on Saturday - and so too were the crowds.
Tens of thousands of people crammed into the Armageddon expo with no room for social distancing
"I'm not really that worried," said one person.
"Not personally. I stay at home all the time so not really," said another.
"I do have asthma, so I do have my inhalers and all my drugs on standby if I do feel like something is going to happen," added a third.
Organisers say this year's expo is the biggest in its 25-year history and that it may even be the biggest in the world.
"This is bigger than Comic-Con this year. This is probably the biggest pop culture event on the planet for 2020," says founder Bill Geradts.
And the star pulling power was unlike any other expo with over 60 celebrity guests beaming in virtually.
Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder even made his appearance while driving his car.
"You guys are super lucky. You are in the safest place in the world right now."
Despite fans not being able to get photos with the big stars, that didn't stop them pouring through the doors.
Some wore masks but many more braved the heat in heavy costumes, like Chewbacca, who spent a pretty penny on his.
It was also a gamers paradise with archery and axe throwing for the more active to a full indoor arcade experience.
In a year of lockdowns, there hasn't been much dancefloor action, so it's little surprise that this activity has been one of the most popular.
For those who still want to get in on all the cosplay action, Armageddon is running for the whole long weekend.
