On the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd 2008, Inverness played host to the inaugural Highland International Comic Expo: Hi-Ex!

The successful two-day festival was held at the newly refurbished Eden Court, and featured a host of the very best in International comic talent.

There was a heavy snowfall in the days beforehand which blocked the main road north, preventing some guests, including Alan Grant, from making it to the event. It could have been a disaster, but the guests and exhibitors who made it through the snow all worked hard to fill the gaps in the schedule and make it a fantastic Expo. There was a great turnout, it was magic to see so many children & families, and of course all the profits are going to Children 1st.

The UK Garrison costumers were a great hit with the public, especially the Predator which made an appearance on Sunday.

As well as a packed weekend programme of talks, interviews, panels and workshops, Eden Court's Blink Space gallery hosted an exhibition of original comic art in the run up to - and during - the weekend.

Also, on the Saturday night in Eden Court cinema, a movie marathon showing all three Spider-Man movies back-to-back was held.

Hi-Ex also spread its wings further in the weeks preceding the event, with two highly popular days of outreach visits to Inverness schools with Kev F. Sutherland of The Beano.

Following public demand, Hi-Ex continues! We will have smaller events throughout the year and another Expo in February 2009. Guests & exhibitors are already signing up for it. We'll have more of everything in 2009, especially children's activities!