Unexpected Age-Old Hobby Transforming Modern Family Bonds

London - June 2024 In an age dominated by digital interactions, families are rediscovering the joy of tangible experiences through the timeless hobby of trading cards. This shared interest is not only bridging generational gaps but also fostering deeper family connections and creating lasting memories.

Dom, known in the community as 'PokeDom', began collecting trading cards later in life and found a special bond with his youngest daughter, Darcy. Their regular visits to the London Card Show every quarter are a cherished ritual, providing quality time together and a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

"Times have changed significantly since I started trading," Dom reflects. "The shift to online streams has opened up new opportunities for collectors, but the bond I share with Darcy over trading cards is truly special."

Similarly, Ray and his son Max, the duo behind Sniper Cards, have developed a unique connection through their mutual love for trading cards. Ray’s passion, inherited from his father, was reignited upon discovering a rare vintage baseball card from the 1900s. Together, Ray and Max regularly attend the London Card Show, where they immerse themselves in the vibrant trading card community while managing their Sniper Cards table, featuring a diverse range of vintage and modern sports cards.

"We're addicts, we're passionate, and we love it," says Ray. "Sharing this hobby across generations is wonderful. Max's enthusiasm for both vintage and modern cards is fantastic, offering a fascinating history lesson with each card."

These stories highlight the importance of tangible, shared activities in a digital world, where the physicality of trading cards and the connections they foster bring immense joy and closeness to families. The mutual interest in this hobby has enriched their family lives, creating bonds that transcend ages.

At the heart of this thriving community is the London Card Show, founded in 2021 by Harry Reynolds. Inspired by his father’s encouragement to pursue his passion, Harry, along with his sister Katie Hughes, has transformed the event into Europe’s largest trading card show. Their dedication is evident in the event’s growth and success, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts of all ages.

The London Card Show is truly a family-run business, with every member playing a vital role. From their Mum handling the front desk to their sister Lucy managing the tuck shop and merchandise store, and even their Grandparents assisting with setting up tables, it’s a collaborative family effort. Katie’s husband, James Hughes, who is Harry’s brother-in-law, serves as the Marketing Director, further solidifying the family’s involvement in the show’s operations.

The passion that Harry and Katie have for the London Card Show has not only driven its success but also strengthened their familial relationships. "It's incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time. The passion we both have for this brand has created a rock-solid relationship, and we just work fantastically well together."

The London Card Show is set to return for its 13th event over the weekend of August 3rd and 4th, featuring over 600 vendor tables showcasing a wide array of trading cards, including Pokémon, Football, Formula 1, Basketball, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lorcana, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece. This event offers the perfect setting for families to explore new interests, build connections, and enjoy quality time together through their shared love of trading cards.

For more information and interviews with London Card Show Founder Harry Reynolds, COO Katie Hughes, PokeDom and Darcy, or Ray and Max, please contact shannon@plus1comms.com.

Ends

Editors notes

About London Card Show

Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 4,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Their journey has been ignited by the passion of fans, having recently been crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year!

About Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show

Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

About Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show

Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.