Cosplay is a massive part of every MCM Comic Con! Children & adults alike dress up to display their love for their favourite characters. So if you’re considering attending in cosplay as your favourite superhero, anime or video game character, Lord of the Rings hobbit or Jedi from Star Wars – you won’t be alone! At MCM Comic Con, you’re in good company.
Cosplay Central
Grab your cosplay, we’ll see you on the show floor!
Cosplay Central
Don’t miss the Cosplay Central stage with a host of panels about everything cosplay from members of the cosplay community! From cosplay showcases, advice on taking part in competitions and getting started with wigs to getting that perfect cosplay picture and tips to make your cosplay even better, the Cosplay Central stage is a celebration of all aspects of cosplay.
Have an incredible tutorial or cosplay experience to share with the community? Apply before 23rd September to be part of the Cosplay Central stage line up
Need a place to change?
Head to Cosplay Central and utilise one of our changing areas.
Got an emergency costume crisis?
Speak to our dedicated team of volunteers in the Cosplay Hospital who’ll be on hand throughout the show to glue-gun, sew or tape your ‘fit back together; all free of charge!
You’ll also find the Cosplay Team in our HQ for admin support for the Cosplay Masquerades and any other queries about everything going on in Cosplay Central.
Please note: Due to safety and security issues we will no longer be able to assist cosplayers with baggage storage, please use the cloakrooms provided by the venue. If you have a particularly large costume or prop you may need assistance with at the show please get in touch with the Cosplay Team in advance to discuss if we can assist you: mcmcosplay@reedpop.com
Cosmic Workshop
Learn all about leather working from Cosmic Workshop.
With over 40 years experience of working in creative industries and a wealth of knowledge and skills in a huge variety of materials and techniques, they are the dream team to have on board your costuming project! Specialising in made to measure, completely bespoke leather pieces, Jules and Jaz will be demonstrating leather working techniques all weekend at their booth in Cosplay Central and don’t miss their master class panels each day on the cosplay central stage.
Meet Our Guest Judges
Cowbutt Crunchies Cosplay is an internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ couple who specializes in complex, couture cosplay and incredible pop culture design. Their experimental mixed media builds feature a wide and ever-growing range of materials and techniques. Their love of craftsmanship has taken them around the world, judging global level contests and teaching cosplayers everywhere from at home in the USA to Sydney, Australia. In 2019 Regan was crowned the Global Champion at the Crown Championships of Cosplay, and since then they've only continued to share their passion with the cosplay community. They are the authors of three cosplay books -The Art of Extreme Wig Styling, Fabulous Cosplay Footwear, and The Cosplay Book of Ballgowns -and they have appeared on various TV spots to speak about their craft. With over 20 years of experience, their focus is on construction, creativity, and teaching others the art of cosplay.
Bambi Lashes Design first made her own cosplay in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since! She cosplays from video games, anime and film with a particular fondness for elaborate sewing projects. Her very favourite place to be is in front of her sewing machine but she also loves to experiment and expand her craft, and dabbles in wig work, corsetry and shoemaking. She has both won and judged multiple international competitions, having most recently taken home Best in Show at the 2022 CRX Hime Cosplay Cup, and having represented Ireland in EuroCosplay 2019.
She loves to share what she has learned by creating patterns and tutorials for her online audience and she hopes to always keep on crafting!
The Regal and Rustic Cosplay Met Gala, Presented by Cowbutt Crunchies
Well known for their incredible original takes on character designs, Cowbutt Crunchies have held the Cosplay Met Gala at cons in the USA for a number of years. Inspired by the prestigious high fashion benefit in New York, this community event celebrates craftsmanship and the creativity of blending geeky design with couture fashion. Bringing the Gala to Birmingham, the inspiration theme is 'Regal and Rustic' but any and all original fandom inspired designs are welcome to take part in the runway. Need inspiration? Check out the Myths & Monsters Cosplay Met Gala.
The Gala will Take place on Friday at the Cosplay Central Stage.
To take part you can sign up at Cosplay Central HQ before 3pm. If you just want to admire all of the incredible designs, the runway will start at 4pm.
Following the parade there will be an informal social meet to share design ideas and admire the details of everyone's incredible creations
The Cosplay Central Crown Championships
Hot on the heels of the very first Cosplay Central Crown Championships Final at MCM London Comic Con, UK cosplayers have another opportunity to reach for the Crown at Birmingham this year!
The Cosplay Central Crown Championships are a global celebration of cosplay craftsmanship. Cosplayers selected at events around the world will take stage with their incredible hand crafted costumes and impressive stage presentations for the global final to compete to be the Crown Champion. In 2023 the Crown Championships final returns to C2E2, Chicago, so this November we will select a new MCM Champion to represent on the global stage in Spring 2023.
Think you have what it takes to compete on the global stage?
The Crown Championships brings together the biggest, best and most impressive hand crafted cosplay creations. The winner of the qualifier will receive a cash prize and a trip to Chicago to compete in the Global final against the cosplayers selected around the world.
Applications open Monday 26th September – Sunday 16th October
Want to see the action unfold? The Championship Qualifier will follow the Cosplay Masquerade on Saturday so just head to the main stage and grab your seat!
MCM Variety Show
You love to perform and we love to see it!
Have you got a killer cosplay skit, have you choreographed a fandom inspired dance or can you sing perfectly in character? The MCM Variety Show brings together incredible cosplay performances with the chance of a prize for the best performance.
Check out the rules and apply below for your chance to showcase your talent on the Main Stage
The Variety Show will take place on Sunday.
Applications open Monday 26th September – Sunday 16th October
Cosplay Masquerades
The ever-popular Cosplay Masquerades will be held on both Saturday and Sunday on the Main Stage. They give cosplayers the chance to showcase their handmade costumes in front of a packed audience. There are prizes for the best costumes but cosplayers are free to take part just for fun if they do not wish to be judged. Family entries and Juniors are also welcome to take part just for fun.
Do you have a cosplay you’d love to showcase on stage?
Before you apply, make sure to carefully read the rules.
Registration opens Monday 26th September
Want to enjoy a show packed with amazing cosplay?
Check out the schedule and head to the main stage at the right time, it’s all included with your Comic Con ticket!
Kids Cosplay Showcase
This is the time for your mini-superheroes to strut their stuff! On stage our mini-cosplayers will tell the audience about their costume and strike a pose on the Cosplay Central stage. This is a great way for their moment to shine on stage in a welcoming space.
Taking place Saturday and Sunday, the Kids Cosplay Showcase is open to under 12s with any costume. No need to sign up in advance, just arrive at Cosplay Central HQ at 1pm Saturday or 12pm Sunday to take part.
Casual Cosplay Showcase
We know cosplay isn’t all serious competitions and months of crafting, sometimes you just want to channel your favourite character!
The Casual Cosplay Showcase is a fun and friendly catwalk on the Cosplay Central Stage taking place each day for anyone who wants to show their love of a character through cosplay. Open to everyone, of all ages, even if you’ve bought your costume or assembled it from your normal wardrobe. Sign up on the day you’d like to take part before 13:00 at Cosplay Central HQ. (Space is limited)
Costume, Weapons & Props Rules
Cosplay is welcome in all parts of the show however it is necessary to set some restrictions as it is a family-friendly event. Note in particular that metal blades (sharp or blunt), working projectile weapons, and wooden or metal bats & paddles are all forbidden.
For more details on our weapons and props rules
Need to know more?
Please visit us at Cosplay Central HQ during the show or email us at mcmcosplay@reedpop.com.