Cosplay Zone

Even if you aren’t a cosplayer, our Cosplay Zone is a great way to learn about the work that goes into costumes, pick up tips about different materials that can be used to create the outfits for the characters we’ve all grown to love and maybe even inspire you to take part next time.

The highlight of the cosplay programme on Saturday and Sunday, the Masquerade offer fans the opportunity to be in the spotlight, showcasing their costume, modelling and performance. Our guest judges use many factors when determining who the winners are, but everyone who enters has a chance at winning something!

Simply pre-sign up online to guarantee your spot or sign up on the day before 1pm at the cosplay desk. Enjoy up to 3 minutes on stage posing in character or performing a rehearsed routine and have a great time.

Each day’s winner will receive £200, 2 weekend tickets to the next London Film and Comic Con along with guaranteed entry into the Annual Cosplay Masquerade Final to be held at that event.

Runners up will win prizes of £50 and certificates. We also have some amazing cosplay items which will be given away during the day which have been kindly sponsored by Xcoser. You can find their full range of great cosplay items by clicking on the image, if you type ‘showmaster’ at checkout you can get 20% off.

As well as the cosplay masquerade, our stage is filled with entertaining and fun activities which everyone can enjoy. Take a seat and learn new ways to pose or find out how to get started with that new project. Our Cosplay Guests bring new and exciting content to every event for you enjoy for free.

Guest Panels
Tap into our Cosplay Guests specialist knowledge on all things Cosplay. Interactive panels will give you insight into materials and techniques as well as touching on some of the less tangible aspects of the discipline such as screen accuracy and maintaining motivation.

Cosplay Desk
A place to get info about the cosplay zone, the schedule and to sign up for the Friday and Sunday Masquerades

Changing Rooms
There are a number of changing rooms available in the Cosplay Zone

Is my prop/costume allowed?
Please see our cosplay guidelines for details of what props, costumes and behaviours are allowed.

Do I have to enter the masquerade if I’m in Cosplay?
Entering the masquerade is entirely down to individual choice, we encourage anyone to take part who wants to, but if you are more comfortable watching then we welcome your support in the audience during the masquerade

I didn’t make my cosplay, can I still enter?
Of course! Although you have to have made 80% or more of your Cosplay to be in with a chance of winning first place, everyone is eligible for all other prize categories

Is there an age limit for entering the cosplay masquerade?
We welcome people of all ages to enter the cosplay masquerade. Anyone under the age of 16 will need a parent or guardian with them although they do not have to go on stage!

Do you have changing rooms?
Changing rooms are available at this event

If you are travelling to the event in your Cosplay please be mindful that members of the public may not be aware of what Cosplay involves and keep any realistic weapons props and costumes that could be misinterpreted (such as military style uniforms) covered until you arrive

Is there somewhere I can store my suitcase / props?
We recommend contacting the venue to check what facilities they will have available. We are unable to store any items in the Cosplay Zone

Can I take photos of / with cosplayers?
Most cosplayers would love to have their photograph taken but please always ask before taking a photo.