Popular science fiction shop returns after fire

A popular science fiction shop has reopened - a year after it was closed by a fire.

Forbidden Planet, at Clifton Heights in Bristol, closed in December 2023 after a fire in the building above it.

The shop's stock was destroyed by the water and chemicals used to fight the fire.

Andrew Sumner, chief operating officer of Forbidden Planet, said: "The response we've had about the return of the store has been deeply touching and we massively appreciate it."

Forbidden Planet, which reopened on 7 December, has had to invest in a range of a new stock after the previous stock was damaged.

To celebrate, staff hosted a special event featuring a range of cosplayers, goodie bags and author signings.

Mr Sumner said the first customer of the day, named Matthew, arrived at 08:00 GMT and had queued outside for hours in the stormy weather.

"The store doesn't just have customers – it has a fanbase of its own – and they are over the moon that it is returning," explained Mr Sumner.

"It's not just a store. It's emblematic of a way of life and a way of consuming your personal entertainment and accessing the world that you love."

The store has been a staple in the city for 31 years and first opened on Penn Street in Broadmead in 1993, before relocating to Clifton Heights in 2005.

"We love Bristol because it's such a forward-thinking city, so full of creativity," continued Mr Sumner.

Mr Sumner said the fire was "very serious" and damaged several floors of building above the shop.

However, he explained that the structure of the store itself was completely sound and most of the damage was the result of smoke and the water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire.

The store will host a range of events throughout December, including a book signing on 22 December for the making of the book Wallace and Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl.

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