Cosplay Central
Grab your cosplay, we’ll see you on the show floor!
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.
What’s happening in 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.
Speak to the friendly Cosplay Team in Cosplay Central HQ for admin support for the Cosplay Masquerades, sign ups for showcases and any other queries about everything going on in Cosplay Central.
Stage Programme
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, directly from the community!
Cosplay Hospital
We can handle all kinds of costume crises and prop palavers! 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.
Changing Rooms
Need to make a quick fix or space to transform into your favourite character? Utilise one of our handy changing areas.
Costume Displays
We’re proud to partner with an amazing community of cosplayers and costuming experts, who’ll be joining us in Cosplay Central to show off their latest creations and master crafts. Check back closer to the event for more details!
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.
Take Part at MCM
There are plenty of ways to showcase your costume at MCM for all abilities and ages.
Cosplay Showcase
We know cosplay isn’t all serious competitions and months of crafting, sometimes you just want to channel your favourite character! The Cosplay Showcase is a fun and friendly catwalk on the Centre 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 at Cosplay Central HQ before 1pm if you’d like to take part.
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 turn up!
Cosplay Masquerades
The ever-popular Cosplay Masquerades are held on the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday. They give cosplayers the chance to showcase their handmade costumes in front of a packed audience. There are prizes for the costumes that really impress the judges 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.
MCM Variety Show
Our fans love to perform and we love to see it! The Variety Show brings together a selection impressive cosplay performers on the Main Stage on Sunday. Our Cosplay Judges will be on hand to award the most impressive act with the title of ‘Best performance’.
World Cosplay Summit - Team UK Qualifier
The World Cosplay summit is one of the oldest and most prestigious cosplay competitions in the world and brings together nearly 40 countries to compete in Japan!
On Saturday 28th October, we’ll be selecting a pair of cosplayers to become WCS team UK for 2024 on Saturday at MCM London October. This is a pairs competition, for costumes from Japanese sources, which encompasses both costume craftsmanship and performance. The winning team will win a trip to Nagoya, Japan, for the 2024 World Championship!
Applications will be open Friday 8th September to Friday 29th September 2023
Want to see the cosplayers shine on stage?
Just check the schedule and head to the stage at the right time, it’s all included with your ticket!
Have a handmade costume or incredible cosplay performance to showcase?
Registration for the Cosplay Masquerade opens Wednesday 13th September.
You can read the rules and criteria for the masquerade here!
Applications for the Sunday Variety Show open Friday 8th September to Friday 29th September 2023.
Applications are open to all cosplayers over 16 with any kind of costume, bought or handmade. Make sure to read the rules carefully before applying!
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