Early bird tickets for 2000 AD’s 50th anniversary event go on sale this October

Rebellion will host a two-day live event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the British comic book 2000 AD on 6 and 7 March 2027. The publisher will take over Protein Studios in Shoreditch, East London, for a weekend of original programming, exclusive merchandise sales, and creator signings featuring legacy talent and current artists.

Standard day tickets go on sale on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Active 2000 AD subscribers will receive unique, single-use early bird access codes by email on Tuesday, 27 October. These codes unlock a limited pre-sale allocation that opens on Thursday, 29 October. Rebellion will not release any further tickets until the general sale once this early bird allocation sells out.

An immersive setup at Protein Studios

Siting a national 50th-anniversary event in Shoreditch represents a shift away from traditional convention halls like ExCeL London. Protein Studios provides a 13,000 sq ft industrial warehouse space typically used for boutique brand activations and gallery exhibitions.

The venue copes with about 1,000 people. This limited footprint suggests a highly curated production rather than a sprawling expo floor. The location puts attendees directly next to major food distractions, including Dishoom Shoreditch and various street food options around New Inn Yard.

Half a Century of Thrill Power

Writer and editor Pat Mills launched 2000 AD in 1977. Over the next five decades, the weekly anthology introduced characters like Judge Dredd, created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, and served as a launchpad for industry heavyweights including Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Brian Bolland, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, and Jock.

Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO at Rebellion, said in a statement:

We are delighted to be celebrating 50 years of the galaxy’s greatest comic. We have been the custodians of this cherished British cultural icon for over half of its life, which means a great deal to us. Not only is this a celebration of 2000 AD’s past but we are very much looking toward to marking our way into the future, telling more incredible stories that will delight audiences both existing and new. We cannot wait to see you there!”

Matt Smith, Editor at 2000 AD, added:

It’s only natural that the comic with the thermonuclear impact would have a lasting legacy – and 2000 AD is still thrilling readers fifty years since its launch. It’s an incredible achievement for a weekly British sci-fi anthology to still be here five decades on, and testament to the strength and timeless quality of the stories from an amazing roster of talent. Such a milestone demands a celebration to match – and I hope loyal Squaxx will come join the droids for this galactic event!”

Shoreditch Accommodation and Travel Links

Fans travelling for the event will need to secure local accommodation quickly due to the venue’s limited capacity and central location. Shoreditch offers numerous hotels within a short walk of Protein Studios.

• Check Shoreditch hotels for the event dates on Expedia
• Check Shoreditch hotels for the event dates on Booking.com