Festival of Friendship – Code of Conduct

Our Mission

Festival of Friendship is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all attendees regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We celebrate friendship, creativity, and the magic of My Little Pony in a space where everyone can be themselves.

Please note: Whilst Festival of Friendship welcomes attendees of all ages, most events are designed for older fans aged 16+ and may include mild swearing or more mature themes. This is not a convention aimed specifically at children – parents should use their discretion when deciding if the content is appropriate for their child.

Introduction

This code of conduct covers all aspects of the Festival of Friendship event, including online spaces, pre-event communications, and post-event interactions related to our community. By registering to attend, you agree to abide by these terms as part of your contract with The Festival of Friendship LTD (trading as Festival of Friendship).

Registration & Access

Convention Passes

All attendees must wear their convention pass visibly at all times within the venue
Tampering with passes (writing, stickers on the pass itself, etc.) is strictly forbidden
The outside wallet may have decorative stickers provided the pass remains clearly visible
Lost passes can be replaced at registration for a small fee which will be donated to our nominated charity

Identification

All attendees over 18 must carry valid photo ID
ID is required for alcohol purchases – convention passes are not legal identification
Under-18s should carry some form of ID when possible – CitizenCard can provide ID for all age ranges

Entry Policy

Only registered attendees may enter the venue
No tickets are available on the day – registration closes as announced on our website and social media
Festival of Friendship reserves the right to refuse entry to any person
Re-entry may be restricted during peak times for safety reasons

Complaints Process

If you feel you’ve been unfairly treated, contact the chairperson within 48 hours via:

Email: contact@mlpfofcon.com
Our website’s complaint form
Speaking to a senior staff member during the event We aim to respond to all complaints within 7 working days.

Parking

Use only designated Festival of Friendship parking areas!

Festival of Friendship has allocated parking on the tennis courts
Do NOT use the main school car park – this is reserved for other venue users
Other events (football, gym activities) will be taking place and need their usual parking spaces
Failure to use designated parking may jeopardise our future use of this venue
Follow any additional parking instructions from our staff on arrival

General Behaviour & Respect

Basic Respect

Treat all attendees, staff, venue personnel, and members of the public with courtesy and respect
When told to stop behaviour or leave someone alone, comply immediately – there is no discussion
Respect personal boundaries and cultural differences
No Bluetooth speakers or loud instruments – we have many attendees with sensory issues and these can be very distressing

Physical Contact & Consent

Not everyone wishes physical contact such as hugs, tickles, or “pouncing”
Always ask for consent before any physical contact beyond a handshake
Respect “no” immediately and without argument
Cosplay is NOT consent – costumes do not invite unwanted touching or harassment

Photography & Content Creation

Ask permission before photographing or filming anyone
Photography is strictly forbidden in changing areas
Respect when people decline to be in photos or videos
Do not photograph cosplayers whilst they’re resting, eating, or adjusting costumes
For commercial filming/photography, obtain prior written consent from the chairperson
Official photographers will be on site – by attending FoF you consent to being photographed and allow us to use images for promotion and on our website

Personal Property & Liability

Festival of Friendship is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal items
Keep valuables secure – consider leaving expensive items at home or in your vehicle
Report any damage to venue property immediately to staff

Vendor Hall Guidelines

Respecting Our Vendors

Vendors are attendees too! They’re here to enjoy the convention, not just work
Do not harass vendors when they’re away from their stalls – respect their break time
Be polite and patient when browsing – vendors may be busy with other customers
Keep food and drinks away from merchandise and artwork
Supervise children around delicate items and displays

Sales & Commissions

Vendors have the right to refuse any commission work or sales
Respect vendors’ pricing – haggling is generally not appropriate unless invited
Payment methods vary by vendor – ask before assuming they accept cards/cash
Commission wait times and policies vary – discuss expectations clearly upfront
If you have issues with a purchase, speak to the vendor first before involving convention staff

Photography & Social Media

Ask permission before photographing merchandise or artwork
Some vendors may allow photos for personal use but not social media sharing
Never photograph commission price lists or private vendor information
When sharing vendor photos online, tag them appropriately and credit their work

Vendor Area Etiquette

Keep aisles clear for other attendees to pass through
Don’t lean on tables or displays
If you’re not purchasing, don’t monopolise a vendor’s time during busy periods
Report any accidents or damage to convention staff immediately
Follow any specific instructions from individual vendors about their setup

Supporting Our Community

Consider supporting multiple vendors if possible
Leave honest, constructive feedback if requested
Help promote vendors you enjoy to other attendees
Remember that many vendors rely on convention sales to support their creative work

Issues with vendors should be reported to convention staff who will mediate fairly between all parties.

Harassment & Unacceptable Behaviour

Zero Tolerance Policy

Festival of Friendship has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind. Harassment includes but is not limited to:

Physical harassment:

Unwelcome physical contact, sexual advances, or touching
Deliberate intimidation, blocking someone’s path, or cornering
Following or stalking someone
Any form of physical violence or threats

Verbal and behavioural harassment:

Discriminatory language targeting race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, or other characteristics
Sexual comments, innuendos, or inappropriate jokes
Sustained disruption of panels, performances, or conversations
Deliberately misgendering someone or using offensive language
Continuing unwanted conversation after being asked to stop

Digital harassment:

Sharing photos, videos, or personal information without explicit consent
Online harassment before, during, or after the event
Creating or sharing defamatory content about attendees or the convention
Using social media to target, embarrass, or harass other attendees

Other unacceptable behaviour:

Taking photos without permission (especially in changing areas)
Blocking fire exits or emergency equipment
Bringing the convention into disrepute through your conduct
Ignoring staff instructions or venue rules

How to Report Incidents

If you experience or witness harassment:

Immediate safety: If you feel unsafe, find security or senior staff immediately
Report to staff: Speak to any Festival of Friendship staff member (identifiable by official badges)
Emergency situations: Call 999 if there’s immediate danger
Written reports: Can be submitted during or after the event

We take all reports seriously and will:

Listen without judgement
Respect your privacy as much as possible
Take appropriate action based on the severity
Keep you informed of our response where appropriate

Consequences

Depending on the severity and circumstances, consequences may include:

First warning: Verbal warning and behaviour modification required
Final warning: Written warning with clear expectations
Temporary removal: From specific areas, events, or the entire venue
Immediate expulsion: Removal from the convention without refund
Permanent ban: Exclusion from all future Festival of Friendship events
Police involvement: For serious criminal behaviour (with victim consent)

Serious incidents (violence, sexual assault, criminal behaviour) may result in immediate expulsion and police involvement.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Reasonable Adjustments

We welcome attendees with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments where possible
Contact us before the event to discuss specific needs
Service animals are welcome as per UK law
We will endeavour to provide quiet areas for those needing sensory breaks
An accessible toilet is available next to ConOps – knock and request the key from ConOps staff
The entire venue is on one level with no steps or ramps to navigate
Floor-level seating is available in the main stage area for those unable to use tiered seating

Inclusive Environment

Use people’s chosen names and pronouns – pronoun stickers are available at registration
Avoid assumptions about relationships, families, or personal circumstances
Be mindful that not everyone can participate in all activities due to various reasons
If you’re unsure how to be inclusive, ask politely or speak to staff

Clothing & Decency Standards

Minimum Requirements

As an all-ages event, we require:

Groin and thighs must be suitably covered (shorts to mid-thigh minimum)
Torso coverage: vest, t-shirt, or tank top covering chest and stomach areas
See-through materials (mesh vests, etc.) are permitted but use common sense regarding modesty

Adult Content Restrictions

No nudity at any time
Sexual behaviour beyond standard displays of affection is not permitted in public areas
No adult-themed materials anywhere in the venue including door signs, flyers, business cards, posters, flags, or artwork
No explicit clothing or accessories – this includes clothing with sexual imagery, offensive language, or adult themes
Fetish gear must not be blatantly displayed, even as part of costumes

Costume Guidelines

Costumes should be appropriate for all ages
If uncertain about appropriateness, consult staff before the event
Final decisions on costume appropriateness rest with staff – no discussion during the event
See our Cosplay page for full guidelines

Props & Prohibited Items

General Prohibited Items

Water pistols (with liquid inside), “gunge,” silly string (except during designated activities)
Personal drones/UAVs – strictly forbidden
Pets (except service animals)
Bluetooth speakers and loud musical instruments – we have multiple attendees with sensory issues. Music at low volume may be acceptable, but must be turned down or switched off immediately when requested
Any items deemed unsafe by security or staff –

Weapons & Props

See our Cosplay page for full weapon replica and prop guidelines

If In Doubt

When uncertain about any item, contact staff before bringing it to the convention.

Alcohol & Substance Policies

Alcohol (Licensed Bar Area Only)

Drink responsibly – you are liable for your actions whilst intoxicated
Valid photo ID required for all alcohol purchases
Bar staff may refuse service at their discretion
Bringing outside alcohol onto the premises is prohibited

Intoxication Consequences

Attendees incapacitated by alcohol will be escorted off premises
Police may be contacted for safety reasons
May result in expulsion from the event and potential permanent ban

Smoking & Vaping

Prohibited inside the venue (UK law)
Prohibited on school grounds – you must leave the premises entirely (head in a straight line from main doors to reach the smoking area)
This includes e-cigarettes and all vaping devices
Disposal of smoking materials must be done responsibly off-site

Illegal Substances

Strictly forbidden: possession, sale, or consumption of illegal drugs
Anyone found with illegal substances will be detained, reported to police, and permanently banned
Prescription medications should be kept in original containers
Abuse of legal substances will not be tolerated

16+ Dance Night (Saturday Evening)

This event is exclusively for attendees aged 16 and older with valid 16+ tickets.

The Saturday night dance event features a live music experience with specific considerations:

What to Expect

Loud music – hearing protection (earplugs) available at the door
Flashing and coloured lights – may not be suitable for those with photosensitive conditions
Dancing and potentially large crowds
Explicit lyrics – music will be performed uncensored in its original format
Heavy dancing – moshing is OPT IN, not OPT OUT – be considerate of others

Safety Guidelines

Respect others’ personal space and dancing style
If someone doesn’t want to participate in heavy dancing, respect that immediately
Stay hydrated – water dispensers are available on site
If you need a break from the music or lights, step outside the dance area
Report any issues to security immediately

Health Considerations

Free earplugs available at the door
If you have photosensitive epilepsy or similar conditions, please take appropriate precautions
Those with heart conditions should be aware of the high-energy environment

Valid 16+ tickets required for entry to this event.

Digital Conduct & Privacy

Social Media Guidelines

Share positive content from the event – links to our official accounts are below
Do not share unflattering or compromising photos of other attendees without consent – what may be funny to you may be upsetting for others
Respect privacy – not everyone wants to be on social media
Report online harassment to convention staff

Health & Safety

Medical Emergencies

Trained first aid staff are available throughout the event
For serious emergencies, we will contact professional medical services
Inform staff immediately of any accidents or medical incidents
Festival of Friendship cannot be held liable for injuries, but we will provide appropriate assistance

COVID-19 & Health Considerations

Follow current UK government health guidelines
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
Respect others’ choices regarding personal protective measures

Environmental Responsibility

Venue Care

Help us keep the venue clean and tidy
Use designated recycling and waste bins where available
Report spills or damage to staff immediately
Respect the school environment – this is their space we’re borrowing

Enforcement & Appeals

Staff Authority

All Festival of Friendship staff decisions are final during the event
Staff are identifiable by their convention badges and lanyards
Arguing with staff decisions during the event may result in additional consequences

Consequences Scale

Verbal warning – minor infractions
Written warning – repeated minor issues or moderate infractions
Temporary removal – from specific areas or activities
Event expulsion – serious violations
Permanent ban – severe or repeated violations

Appeals Process

Written appeals may be submitted within 30 days of any ban
Appeals should include incident details and any mitigating circumstances
The chairperson and committee will review all appeals
Decisions will be communicated within 14 days

Emergency Procedures

Fire/Evacuation

Follow venue fire procedures and staff instructions
Assembly points will be clearly marked
Do not re-enter the building until given all-clear by emergency services

Security Concerns

Report suspicious behaviour immediately to security or staff
In case of serious emergency, dial 999
Staff will coordinate with emergency services as needed

Contact Information

During the Event:

Find any staff member wearing Festival of Friendship identification
Security team can be identified by specific badges
Emergency services: 999
There will always be staff available in the ConOps area

Outside the Event:

Website: www.mlpfofcon.com
Email: contact@mlpfofcon.com

Final Notes

This code of conduct may be updated periodically. The most current version will always be available on our website. By attending Festival of Friendship, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this code of conduct.

Remember: We’re all here to celebrate friendship and have fun together. When in doubt, be kind, be respectful, and ask if you’re unsure. Let’s make this the best Festival of Friendship yet!

Last updated: 18/08/2025 Version: 2.0