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Tuesday 15 October

Burning Man Set to Light Up Armageddon Expo Opening

Opening night at Auckland Armageddon this year will see a seven metre tall ‘Guy’ burn to the ground to mark the start of New Zealand’s largest fantasy and gaming expo on Friday 25 October at the ASB Showgrounds.

For the past three years, Len Julian of Pyro Company Fireworks has spent more than two months in the lead up to the expo putting together a giant effigy to be set alight.

Julian says that this year, the colossal figure is inspired by the Guy Fawkes character from the film V for Vendetta.

“We’re putting the ‘Guy’ back in Guy Fawkes with this one and we can’t wait to see him ablaze, he’s going to be spectacular,” he says.

The statue is made from a robotic skeleton and is covered in natural hemp so as not to let bad fumes into the atmosphere.

“This year he’s got some tricks up his sleeve to impress the crowds,” says Julian. “Expect more than your standard Guy Fawkes guy.”

Event organiser William Geradts says they started the burning man as a way to really kick off a weekend that’s full of fantasy, technology and sci-fi.

“It’s a bit rebellion and a lot of fun. Something outer-worldly almost, which fits in perfectly with the expo,” he says.

Friday night at Armageddon, before the Burning Man kicks off, is a gaming preview evening, where visitors can check out all the exhibitors and games on offer before they line-up for signatures and photos with their favourite movie, TV and fantasy stars over the weekend.

One stall that will be a buzz with excitement is the exclusive Wargaming station, where the latest games from the world of online battles can be tried, tested and examined by gaming fans and fun seekers alike.

Gamers will be able to meet top players from across Australia and New Zealand who will provide tricks and tips at the live demo areas.

“We’re delighted to have so much fun stuff for people to see and try, including the most gaming and console previews at any one site in the country,” says Geradts. 

Spanning across the main event floor, the expo has massive displays from Wargaming, Nintendo, Nerf, Activision, Warner Brothers, Dell Computers, PlayStation and Microsoft, as well as many others, and features exclusive gaming previews and displays.

Alongside the gaming floor, Armageddon this year brings big international names, Billy Boyd, Pippin from The Lord of the Rings and Evanna Lynch, Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series; as well as multiple stars from Doctor Who and Supernatural and comic book and anime stars.

ENDS

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