The annual event attracts collectors and families from around the world, many of whom will be arriving in fancy dress.

This year will see the return of the popular pony auction, where convention-goers can bid for rare and celebrity-signed ponies. Last year the convention auctioned off an astonishing selection of ponies, signed by public figures as diverse as Bill Bailey, Terry Pratchett, The League of Gentlemen, William Hague and David Cameron.

Got ponies in the attic? Members of the public will have the opportunity to have their collections identified and valued at Antiques Roadshow style evaluations.

There will also be display and trade stalls, an art exhibition and fashion show as well as children’s activities and competitions. The event is also attracting an increasing number of artists, who customise ponies to make them look like anything from their favourite Harry Potter characters to the cast of Doctor Who.

American collector, Angela Garrett will be making the annual trip from her home in Michigan, USA especially for the event:

“There’s such a great atmosphere at Ponycon,” Angela explains, “ You’ll never see so many ponies in one room, nor such excited looks on children’s faces.”

Toy manufacturer Hasbro, the company behind the My Little Pony brand, may also be in attendance, giving visitors an exclusive preview of Pony merchandise due for release in 2009. Hasbro has generously donated a limited edition convention exclusive pony, made especially for the event and only available for sale to attendees. Convention organisers are hoping that this year’s event will be as popular as last year’s, which raised £5,000 for The Rainbow Centre.

This year’s nominated charity is Wellchild, a children’s charity of which Prince Harry is royal patron. All profits raised on the day will be donated to the charity, which has been helping sick children and their families throughout the UK for over 30 years. Visit Wellchild’s website for more details about them: www.wellchild.org.uk

Full details of the convention programme, participants and events, along with admission fees can be found on the convention’s website.

ENDS

The 2008 international My Little Pony Convention, known as UK Ponycon 2008 will take place at Brunel University, Uxbridge on Saturday, 11th October from 10am – 4pm.

Tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for children under the age of 16.

To buy tickets visit www.urgoing.to/ukponycon08

For more information about the convention visit www.mlpconvention.co.uk

For more information about My Little Pony and Hasbro, visit www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/en

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