AmeCon 2008 - Cosplay Events
This page explains the different cosplay events available at AmeCon, as well as the guidelines for all cosplays and props. If you wish to apply to any of these events, please visit the cosplay application page. If you wish to suggest a cosplay related event, please visit the events suggestions page.
Cosplay Triathlon
AmeCon first introduced the Cosplay Triathlon back in 2006, separating the three major elements of the traditional masquerade into separate events. By creating separate events for the masquerade, competition and omake, attendees can enter as many or few events as they desire.
If you wish to take part in any of the Cosplay Triathlon events, you must submit an application form prior to the convention. Please visit the cosplay application page and submit your entry for the relevant event
Masquerade
The masquerade takes place on the Saturday evening, featuring a catwalk-style event that ends on a more
traditional stage. This is the event to show off your costumes to a captive audience, with seating available
for those who wish to cheer along the route or in a more tradition stylee. At the end of the masquerade, entrants
can also take part in the dedicated photoshoot, so they can take away a souvenir of the event.
Skits, performances or custom music are not accepted for this event, as they have their own dedicated event - Omake -. Group entries are accepted (put all the cosplayers on the one form), but should be kept to a reasonably small size. This is a catwalk affair, and your costume can't be fully seen and appreciated if you're walking around in the middle of a group of fifteen people.
Competition
For those of you who appreciate the opportunity to put your work before a panel of judges, we will be
running a dedicated cosplay competition separate from the masquerade. It goes without saying, but you
must have made your costume yourself to enter this event. You do not necessarily need to be wearing the
costume yourself however.
The competition will take place Saturday daytime. In addition to submitting an application online, please make sure to bring a picture reference of the character you are cosplaying along on the day. Failure to do so result in refusal of entry to the event.
Omake
Do you have a skit you've been preparing for a masquerade? Are you dying to show off your singing abilities
somewhere more formal than a karaoke? Is your demonstration of an art just a tad too theatrical to be
confined to a panel? In that case, this variety show event is tailor-made for you! Group entries are
accepted (put all the cosplayers on the one form). Please endeavour to keep performances down to a suitably
entertaining length (about 3 minutes is good)
The Omake will take place on Sunday. When submitting your application online, please provide as much detail as possible about your performance.
Cosplay Ball
AmeCon 2006 introduced the first cosplay ball for an anime convention in the United Kingdom, where hundreds of attendees dressed for the occassion. Taking place on the Sunday evening, the cosplay ball finishes the weekend with ballroom music, guest singers and more to make the final evening a special one.
As the Cosplay Ball is a formal event, entry is restricted to attendees who are dressed appropriately for the event. You do not have to apply online for this event, so as long as you're dress appropriately, you will be allowed to attend this event.
For the girls, ball gowns and evening dresses are accepted. For the guys, shirt, tie, trousers and jacket will be accepted. In addition, attendees can come in smart cosplay that is suited for the event. Acceptable cosplay can be found in the following article by former AmeCon Cosplay Co-ordinator Jan Edwards.
A Guide to Formal Wear for the Discerning Cosplay Ball-Goer
Other Cosplay Events
Additional cosplay events are currently being confirmed. Please keep an eye out on our online forum for further updates.
Cosplay Workshop
Need to make an emergency costume repair? Want to slap together a prop out of cardboard and acrylic paint? Just
plain not yet finished your costume? This room will be available for you to use, or just chill out in, if you
find the atmosphere of cosplay-construction relaxing!
Cosplay Café
Feeling a little dazed and need somewhere to chill after Saturday nights parties? On Sunday the cosplay
café will be the perfect place.
Cosplay Guidelines
Please note that these are only Guidelines and we cannot approve any items until we see them at the convention.
Costumes - Size and Construction
Costumes should be no more than 3ft (90cm) wide and 6ft 5" (192cm) tall, in other words
you should fit through a door! If you are taller than this then your costume should be
no taller than you! Hats may be worn that make you taller than 6ft 5", but you must be
able to remove them easily.
Costumes that feature things like expanding wings can be made larger than 3ft wide, to a maximum of 5ft (150cm) but may only be used as part of the 'Catwalk', 'Cosplay Competition' and 'Omake'.
Costumes must not be constructed with sharp edges or hard (metal, wood etc) spiky or pointy bits. For example, metal armour is allowed but must have properly finished and turned edges.
Think! If your costume could hurt someone if they fell or bumped into you, don't make it!!
Weapons and Props - General
Upon arrival at Amecon all weapons and props MUST be brought to Ops, where they will
be checked for safety and compliance to the rules. Approved weapons will be given a
'cosplay weapon licence' specific to the item.
If your weapon or prop is not approved it will either be held in Ops for safekeeping or you will be asked to keep it locked in your accommodation.
In some cases weapons will be approved for use in the 'Catwalk', 'Cosplay Competition' and 'Omake' but not for Floor costume use. Such Items will not be given a licence and must be kept in your accommodation or in Ops when not being used at the relevant event.
During the convention if a Gopher or Committee member asks to see your weapon licence and you cannot produce it, you will either be escorted to Ops to get your weapon checked or your weapon will be confiscated.
We trust you to act responsibly with your cosplay props BUT if you (or anyone else) is found to be acting inappropriately with them they will be confiscated for the remainder of the convention.
In ALL cases weapons should be kept sheathed, holstered or stowed while walking around Amecon, only being drawn for photo's and the like.
Weapons and Props - Size and Construction
Size
Normal weapons or props may be up to 5ft (150cm) long.
Oversized Weapons and props -may- be permitted up to 3ft (90cm) wide and 6ft5" (192cm) tall depending on construction. They must be light and safe, recommended construction materials are Foam, Foam board or Cardboard. If we can pick it up in one hand, without straining, then that's good.
Anyone carrying an oversized item will not be allowed into event rooms, the Dealers, Art, Games or Bring and Buy rooms.
Floor Costume Construction
Replica, projectile, deactivated or real weapons are not allowed under any circumstances, this
means no Airsoft, BB or Paintball guns no metal Katanas, Kunai etc. Even if you tie red electrical
tape around the barrel!
Martial Arts training weapons such as Bokken, Shinai or Bo are similarly banned.
Toy weapons bought in UK shops and conforming to British standards (Woolworth's, Toys'R Us, Costume shops etc) are fine to use. As are unrealistic model weapons as long as they conform to the construction guidelines.
All other Props and Weapons should be constructed from lightweight materials and have no sharp edges, spikes or points. Do not use Metal, solid wood, solid plastic, plaster etc. Good construction materials are Cardboard, Foamboard, Foam, Polystyrene, Balsa wood and hollow Plastic.
Catwalk, Competition and Omake Construction
Only real weapons, metal replica weapon or items restricted from sale in the UK are banned outright.
All weapons and props for use in cosplay events are at the committee's discretion. If you wish to use
a weapon or prop during these events please bring them to ops to be approved.
Most items will be allowed for use during these events but any weapon or prop that is banned for floor cosplay use will either be held in Ops for safekeeping or you will be asked to keep it locked in your accommodation until the event.
If you are found floor cosplaying with a Weapon or Prop that has not been Licensed for floor cosplay but has been approved for event cosplay that item will be confiscated and you will NOT be allowed to use it during the cosplay events.
Outside of AmeCon
Lastly, Remember to keep everything, especialy replica weapons well-wrapped and out of site whenever you
are not at Amecon. You are responsible for transporting props and weapons so be safe and have fun!