Pokejarl Presents the Wolverhampton Trading Card Show at Mander Centre

I was a collector first and foremost, and like many others in the hobby, I was growing frustrated with constantly having to pay just to walk through the door of a show. Often, these events were held in less accessible areas, with poor transport links and limited amenities, making the experience feel more like a chore than a celebration of the hobby we all love.

Wolverhampton felt like the perfect home. It’s well-connected with great transport links, accessible amenities, and a strong local community. The focus is always on inclusivity, making sure that anyone, whether a seasoned collector or someone brand new to the hobby, can attend without barriers. That’s why the WCS has always been free to attend, and it always will be. No entry fees, no hidden costs. Just cards, community, and passion.

What started as an idea born out of frustration has grown into something truly special. The show is now widely acclaimed by locals and card enthusiasts from across the country. Attendees tell me it’s the most welcoming, relaxed, and enjoyable card show they’ve ever been to. Dealers appreciate the footfall and atmosphere, collectors love the variety and families enjoy the fact that it’s an affordable day out where everyone feels welcome.

The target is to be called the best free card show in the UK. I'm building through consistency, listening to feedback, and never losing sight of why the show was created in the first place, for the Community! Every decision, from venue choice to trader selection, is made with accessibility and enjoyment in mind.

WCS is about bringing people together. It’s about conversations across tables, the excitement of finding that missing card, and a shared passion. I’m incredibly proud of what the show has become, but I’m even more proud that it remains true to its core values: accessible, welcoming, and always free. mandercentre.co.uk.