Cosplay Contest

Calling all cosplayers! Our cosplay contest is back and we can’t wait to see what amazing costumes you’ve been working on. The contest will take place on Saturday (time TBC).

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or this is your first time putting on a costume, everyone’s welcome to join in. And here’s the thing – we love ALL fandoms, not just ponies! Feeling more like Spider-Man than Fluttershy today? Rock that Spidey suit! We’re here for it.

Signing up is easy! Look for our QR code signs around the convention – we’ll have them posted everywhere, including right next to the changing room door for easy access. Just scan and register online in seconds. Can’t find a sign? No worries, just grab any staff member and they’ll sort you out.

Cosplayers Lounge! As always, we’ve got a dedicated space where you can hang out with fellow cosplayers, grab some snacks, stay hydrated, and take a breather when you need it. Got bulky costume bags or props? Store them in the lounge when you’re not using them. Need a quick costume change? We’ve got you covered.

Ready to show off your incredible work? We’re excited to see what you bring!

Festival of Friendship Cosplay Guidelines

Our convention welcomes cosplayers of all skill levels! While we allow costumes inspired by mature-rated source material (such as Hazbin Hotel, Fallout, Call of Duty, or fanworks like Rainbow Factory), all costumes must be appropriate for our all-ages environment.

Content Standards

✅ Acceptable

  • Characters from any franchise, including mature-rated properties (e.g., Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel is acceptable, but costume must meet our coverage standards)
  • Creative interpretations and mashups
  • Original characters (OCs) and fan-created designs
  • Gender-bent or alternate universe versions
  • Post-apocalyptic or dark-themed characters with appropriate weathering (e.g., Fallout Vault Dweller or Warhammer 40K Space Marine with battle damage and dirt is fine, but avoid gore, blood effects, or horror elements)

❌ Not Acceptable

  • Excessively revealing costumes (see coverage guidelines below)
  • Gore, blood, or graphic violence depictions
  • Frightening or intentionally scary elements
  • Offensive symbols, slurs, or hate speech
  • Drug/substance use references
  • Sexual or suggestive themes/imagery

Coverage Requirements

Minimum Coverage Standards

  • Chest: Must be covered appropriately – low cut or cleavage is acceptable provided it is to a tasteful level for our audience
  • Midriff: May be shown if tasteful and character-accurate
  • Lower Body: Coverage similar to modest shorts, skirts, or swimwear
  • Undergarments: Must not be visible as outerwear
  • Transparent Materials: Appropriate undergarments required beneath see-through fabrics

Special Considerations

  • Delicate Costumes: Secure all elements to prevent accidental damage
  • Form-Fitting Outfits: Ensure appropriate undergarments and coverage. Dance belts recommended for spandex costumes to maintain appropriate silhouette
  • Character-Accurate vs. Appropriate: When in conflict, appropriateness for our all-ages audience takes precedence. We encourage creative adaptations that maintain the character’s essence while meeting our guidelines

Safety Requirements

Large Costumes & Limited Visibility

  • Handler Recommended: Large costumes or those with limited visibility should consider having a spotter/guide
  • Emergency Awareness: Ensure you can safely navigate and exit your costume if needed
  • Pathway Awareness: Stay alert to stairs, doorways, and crowd density

Ventilation & Comfort

  • Airflow: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for fursuits and enclosed costumes
  • Break Schedule: We recommend taking cooling breaks every 30-45 minutes in heavy costumes – know your limits
  • Hydration: Maintain easy access to water. Water bottle filling stations are available throughout the venue, and bottled water and snacks are available in the cosplay lounge if needed
  • Heat Monitoring: Remove costume if experiencing overheating symptoms. Your safety is more important than “ruining the magic”

Construction Safety

  • Sharp Edges: All edges must be filed, covered, or padded
  • Secure Attachments: Wings, tails, and accessories must be firmly attached
  • Walkway Clearance: Costume should not obstruct emergency exits or pathways
  • Structural Integrity: Costume must be able to withstand normal convention activity

Emergency Response and Medical Access

  • Safety Takes Priority: In any medical emergency, our welfare team will prioritise your health and safety above all else
  • Costume Damage May Occur: If necessary to provide first aid or emergency care, welfare staff may need to cut, remove, or damage costume elements to access injuries or ensure your safety
  • No Liability for Emergency Damage: Whilst we understand costumes represent significant time and investment, we cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs during emergency medical response
  • Cooperation Expected: Please assist welfare staff by helping to remove costume elements quickly if requested during an emergency
  • Consider Emergency Access: When designing costumes, consider how quickly they can be removed or how emergency responders could access your body if needed

Prop & Weapon Policy

❌ Strictly Prohibited

  • Real Firearms: Any actual weapons or functional replicas
  • Unmodified Realistic Replicas: Firearms that look genuine without clear modifications
  • Bladed Weapons: Real knives, swords, daggers, or any sharp-edged weapons
  • Functional Weapons: Working bows, crossbows, slingshots, or projectile launchers
  • Projectiles: Darts, arrows (sharp or otherwise), pellets
  • Dangerous Items: Pyrotechnics, explosives, smoke devices
  • Impact Weapons: Baseball bats, clubs, maces (wood, metal, or weighted)
  • Miscellaneous: Laser pointers, paddles, whips, chains
  • Size Restrictions: Props exceeding 6 feet (180cm) in any dimension

Important: Our venue is a school environment with zero-tolerance policies for weapons and dangerous items. School security and local authorities may be involved if prohibited items are discovered. Please ensure all props meet educational facility standards.

✅ Permitted Props

  • Modified Replica Firearms: Airsoft guns, prop guns, or 3D printed replicas with significant visible modifications (see requirements below)
  • Obvious Toy Weapons: Clearly identifiable toy guns, Nerf guns, water guns (with no liquid), and similar
  • 3D Printed Props: Custom-made props that are obviously non-functional
  • Painted/Customized Toys: Modified toy weapons with decorative elements or character-appropriate styling
  • Fantasy Weapons: Clearly non-realistic swords, staffs, magical items
  • Soft Construction: Foam, cardboard, plastic, or inflatable weapons
  • Blunted Items: Props with rounded edges and soft tips
  • Character Accessories: Wands, shields, non-functional gadgets
  • Musical Instruments: Allowed as props only – playing instruments is prohibited in convention areas

Replica Firearm Modification Requirements

If bringing a realistic replica firearm (airsoft, prop gun, or 3D printed), it MUST include multiple visible modifications:

  • Bright Coloured Tape/Paint: Applied to barrel, stock, and other prominent areas
  • Obvious Orange Tip: Bright orange barrel tip (minimum 1 inch)
  • Magazine Removal: Empty, removed, or clearly blocked magazine wells
  • Additional Identifiers: Bright ribbons, stickers, or other non-removable markings
  • Multiple Modifications Required: At least 3 different types of visible alterations – all replica firearms MUST have approval in advance

Replica Firearm Usage Restrictions

  • Limited Display: May ONLY be displayed during cosplay contests or organized photoshoots
  • Secured Storage: Must be kept in an appropriate carry case when not in use
  • No General Convention Wear: Cannot be carried or worn while walking around convention areas unless transporting between approved display areas and placing in storage

Replica Firearm Age Restrictions

  • Realistic Replica Firearms: Restricted to attendees 18+ only (in line with UKARA membership requirements and legislation for the purchase of Realistic Imitation Firearms)
  • Under 18s: May use obvious toy weapons, foam props, or clearly fantasy weapons only

Prop Guidelines

  • Inspection Authority: All props may be subject to inspection at any time during the convention and may be tagged by our welfare team if required
  • Secure Carrying: Props must be safely carried or sheathed when not posing
  • Photography Etiquette: Never point weapons at people, even for photos
  • Convention Space: Be mindful of prop size in crowded areas

Cosplay Room Guidelines

Purpose & Usage

  • Primary Function: Designated space for costume changes and recovery breaks
  • Not a Hangout Area: The room is for changing and brief rest periods, not general socializing
  • Comfort Amenities: Complimentary food and drink provided to help cosplayers recover after extended periods in costume

Important Notes

  • Entry Etiquette: PLEASE KNOCK IF DOOR IS CLOSED – people may be getting dressed and require privacy for some costumes
  • Periodic Monitoring: Staff may check the room periodically
  • No Responsibility for Items: All personal belongings are left at your own risk – we accept no responsibility for lost, damaged, or stolen items
  • Respectful Use: Please be considerate of other cosplayers needing the space for changes and breaks

Pre-Approval Process

When to Seek Approval

  • Uncertain Content: If you’re unsure about appropriateness
  • Gore or Horror Elements: Blood effects, scary modifications, or horror-themed interpretations
  • Complex Props: Unusual or borderline items
  • Replica Firearms: Confirmation that appropriate modifications have been made
  • Large Costumes: Exceptionally big or elaborate designs

How to Get Approval

Response Time: Expect reply within 5 business days

Timeline: Submit requests at least 2 weeks before the convention

Required Info: Clear photos of costume and props from multiple angles

Contact: Email contact@mlpfofcon.com with “Cosplay Approval” in subject line

A reminder to all: Cosplay Is Not Consent

Physical Boundaries

Always ask before any contact. Never assume permission to touch:

  • Costumes, props, armour, or accessories
  • The cosplayer themselves (including hugs or posed contact)
  • “Fixing” or adjusting someone’s costume
  • Handling weapons or delicate pieces

“Can I touch your [prop/costume]?” is always the right question to ask.

Photography & Recording

Every photo requires permission. Even if they said yes before:

  • Ask clearly: “May I take your photo?”
  • Respect “no” immediately – no arguing or persuading
  • Ask separately about social media posting
  • Don’t photograph people eating, resting, or having private conversations
  • Delete photos if requested

Respectful Behaviour

Focus on the craft, not the person:

  • Compliment the costume work, not someone’s body
  • Keep conversations appropriate and brief
  • Don’t follow cosplayers around the venue
  • Give people space to enjoy the convention
  • Remember: they’re attendees, not entertainment

Consequences & Reporting

We take this seriously. Harassment, boundary violations, or inappropriate behaviour may result in:

  • Warning and education
  • Removal from the convention
  • Potential ban from future events

Report immediately to any staff member (look for our staff/volunteer badges) or go directly to ConOps (marked on convention map in Conbook). Your safety and comfort matter.

Remember: Cosplayers are people enjoying a hobby, not characters you can interact with however you want.