A huge Marvel and DC-themed comic-con is set to take place in Kent next year.

The family-friendly convention will take place at Quex Park in Birchington, Thanet, in May and is expected to attract crowds of up to 10,000 people.

It will feature more than 100 cosplayers, as well as interactive events, stalls, and music, and it's hoped stars from the Marvel and DC worlds will make guest appearances.

The convention is being organised by Gerald McCarthy of Big Stage Productions Ltd, and Scott Turner of Jumping Jelly Entertainment Ltd.

The pair formerly ran the hugely popular South East Air Show and Sci-Fi by the Sea events in Herne Bay.

Mr McCarthy said: "We thought that with the current popularity of Marvel films, and DC as well, that we'd do a specific comic-con aimed at them.

"It will be a real celebration of everything Marvel and DC."

He says the open-air event will feature rare first-edition comics, replica props from the Marvel universe, licensed lifesize busts of figures such as The Hulk and The Avengers, and activities related to the Marvel and DC franchises such as "Hawkeye archery" and a "Black Widow pistol shooting range".

"We've got a huge double-decker gamer bus with 40 stations playing Marvel and DC games which people can play for free," added Mr McCarthy.

The convention will also feature stalls selling merchandise, while a stage will keep crowds entertained with live music and the popular Guardians of the Galaxy mixtapes.

Mr McCarthy hopes actors from the comic universes will appear at the event too.

"It's very early days," he said. "We're just touting out the emails to potential guests.

"We did a Game of Thrones convention for a couple of years in 2018 and 2019 and we were able to get some fairly prominent cast members to come along.

"So we're going to do our best, but it depends on who's available and who's not filming, where they're based."

More than 100 cosplayers will also interact with guests, while a costume competition will run throughout the day.

"The attention to detail in the cosplayers' costumes is incredible," said Mr McCarthy.

"So little ones can get up close and have a photo with Captain America or Ironman. It's going to be really really good."

Mr McCarthy says the Thanet event will be different to typical comic-con events in that it will be open-air - more of a "festival hybrid".

"As Marvel fans ourselves, we're quite excited to do this," he said.

"People who are into Marvel and DC are in for a treat. Kids are going to love it, and geeks are going to love it as well!"

Mr McCarthy says hundreds of people have already expressed interest in attending the event, since it was announced on Thursday.

Those interested in attending are asked to register their interest by following this link.