An army of more than 35,000 fans will invade Auckland's ASB Showgrounds this Labour Weekend (24th - 26th October) for what has become Australasia's largest and most feature packed pop culture event, the Armageddon Expo.

From the unbelievably devoted fans who dress in full costume and memorise lines and scenes from their favourite movies, to those who simply want to test-drive the latest video games, this annual pilgrimage is surging in popularity as sci-fi and animation becomes mainstream entertainment around the world.

Now in its 14th year, Armageddon has outgrown its former Aotea venue and trebled in size to fill all five halls of the ASB Showgrounds, with theatres, stages and arenas for signings, movie showings, demonstrations and even wrestling.

And it is the stars the fans are coming to see and this year's line-up is spectacular also with big star Seth Green (Austin Powers, The Italian Job) taking the top billing along with his collaborators from Robot Chicken, Tom Root, and Matthew Senreich. Police Academy's Michael Winslow is the consummate entertainer - known as the man of a thousand sound effects will be entertaining the Armageddon crowd and will even be recording ring tones for visitors to upload to their mobile phones!

Despite the fact that the movie hasn't been shown here yet, Bronson Pelletier, one of the wolf pack in the highly anticipated feature film, Twilight, New Moon, has been mobbed by fans wanting to meet one of the stars of the world's hottest new movie franchise.

The Stargate Atlantis contingent is also strong with Joe Flanigan, Jason Mamoa, and Paul McGillion and Dante Basco who played Rufio from Spielberg's Hook, joins many New Zealand stars from The Legend of the Seeker and the yet to be released Under the Mountain.

An amazing feature of Armageddon is how many fans flock to see stars whose faces have never been on screen. Many of the voice actors such as Laura Bailey AKA Jaina Proudmoore in the World of Warcraft, Sean Schemmel voice of Goku on Dragonball Z and Olivia Hack; voice of Ty Lee in Avatar and Chloe in Bratz have huge followings and an army of fans who can repeat their lines and inflections perfectly.

For comic fans there are top name creators like Peter David, Nicola Scott, and Greg Rucka author of Whiteout (due to hit our movie screens this year). And gaming fans better watch out for Steve Downes, voice of Halo's Master Chief Petty Officer John-117.

While the comics, gaming and movie star panels are happening, there's a host of live entertainment - roller derby, wrestling, gladiator battles, and great kiwi music. And with movie screenings, Yamekameha competitions, amusement park rides and more the 2009 timetable is bursting at the seams.

Some side events for Armageddon include VIP dinners on Saturday 25th October where attendees enjoy a three course intimate meal with Paul McGillion, Jason Momoa, or Gigi Edgley.

And for the first time in Armageddon history is a Masquerade Ball; 7pm to 10.30pm on Sunday 25th October 25th. Attendees must come in either costume or mask, entry is a gold coin with profits going to the Haemophilia Foundation of NZ. The evening will have bands and performers playing throughout the night as well as appearances by special celebrity host Michael Winslow.

Armageddon event organizer Bill Geradts is stoked with how it's all coming together, "With the bigger venue, more side events, and great line up of international and local celebrities we're hoping to surpass our previous visitor record of 33,000 and establish Armageddon Expo as one of Auckland's most premier events - 2009 is one definitely not one to miss out on."

Event Information: The Armageddon Expo runs from October 24th - 26th, 2009 at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland. Opening Hours are 9am - 6pm daily.

Ticket prices; Adult $18.00, Student $16.00, Child & Senior $10.00, Family Pass (2 adults & 3 Child) $40.00, Child (12 and under) is Free when attending with a full paying adult. Discounted rates for three day passes also available. Booking and show information available at: www.armageddonexpo.com/