Lovers of the Japanese game were invited to buy, sell, and trade cards in an event at the Red Dragon Centre
THOUSANDS gathered at the Red Dragon Centre on World Pokémon Day to expand their collections and participate in a variety of free activities.
Despite being released decades ago, the Japanese trading card game has seen a surge in popularity, with no signs of slowing down.
“We wanted to celebrate World Pokémon Day and really bring the community together,” said 35-year-old Rob Hardacre, who co-organised the February 27 event, Pokéfest, with Kyle Donnelly, 36.
The Cardiff pair created Vendiboyz in 2024, which sells trading cards and toys for all ages in vending machines around England and Wales.
“I’m a 90’s kid and grew up with Pokémon, so there’s a soft spot in my heart for it,” Mr Hardacre said.
“It’s still as strong as it was back then, and I think it’s great that it hasn’t dipped off or died. It’s something that everyone can relate to, no matter what age.
“The event has been electric, and we’re hopefully going to offer more events like this going forward, perhaps once or twice a year.”
Many collectors choose to send their cards for grading, giving buyers assurance of the card’s authenticity and condition – which can range from Grade 1 (poor) to Grade 10 (Gem Mint).
The most valuable card at the event, a graded 10 Super Shiny Rare Pikachu, was sold by 20-year-old Rhys Bodenham for £500 – a card he had kept for over ten years.
“For me, it’s all about collecting as many cards as possible for my collection. I was definitely sad to see it go, but selling it allowed me to buy a lot more packs here today,” he said.
“This is the first big convention I’ve attended, as in the past I’ve only gone to small groups. But seeing this amount of people coming together to share their love of Pokémon like this has been amazing.”
The event featured five stalls, where attendees could buy, trade or sell their cards with vendors who all share the same passion.
Among the vendors was lifelong Pokémon fan Gav Davies, 32, from the Cardiff Card Show, who said: “We’re here having an amazing time, contributing to the positive energy, and showcasing the incredible community we’ve built.
“We sell all sorts of cards, ranging from 50p to £1,000 and everything in between, so there’s something for everyone, no matter their budget.
“I’ve collected Pokémon from when it first came around, and I’m even selling my childhood Charizard from 1989.
“You see Pokémon shops opening everywhere now. One in Cardiff, Newport and Cwmbran, which goes to show its popularity.”
Greg Davies, 34, from Spawn Point Collectibles said: “Pokémon has never been bigger, which is great, but it’s tough for us collectors because the product has never been so difficult to get, and it’s being scalped left right and centre.
“I’ve sold to more adults than kids today, which is good to see that it’s stood the test of time, but it’s even better seeing the adults getting involved with their kids.
“There may be a bubble burst at some point like everything that goes through this sort of hype does. But I think it’s popular enough and is here to stay. Next year will be its 30th anniversary so it shows it’s going from strength to strength.”
Greg Davies believes Pokémon has never been bigger. Credit: Joe Hearn
Aaron Parfitt, 31, who attended the event with his wife Leah, 33, and 11-year-old son Zak said: “Pokémon fills that little niche in my brain that wants to collect things.
“Since having my son, it has revitalised that fascination. It’s helped us bond – having something we both can chat about and get involved with.”
Staff at the Red Dragon Centre were delighted to host the event.
“It’s lovely because we see families coming in and not just to buy, but to swap and to trade. You see children that don’t even know each other sitting on the floor, chatting and swapping, my son included,” said 44-year-old Emma Constantinou, marketing manager for the centre.
“Since Pokémon GO, it’s had a bit of a resurgence. We’ve had Dexter, our Welsh version of Charizard come and see the children, as well as free activities to make it a really good value day out for the family.”
The free activities on offer included a stall run by Experimental Science, where attendees could craft their own Poké Balls using wooden sticks, rubber bands, and plastic balls, as well as a face painting station where children could be transformed into their favourite Pokémon.
“We’ve had parents asking about the cost to attend, and we’re happy to let them know it’s free, though we do welcome donations to support the Ty Hafan charity.”
Vendiboyz in collaboration with the Red Dragon Centre plans to put on similar events later in the year.
- If you would like to donate to the Ty Hafan charity, you can do so here.
- You can find the Vendiboyz on Instagram at @Vendiboyz
