We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with HYPER JAPAN (the UK’s biggest J-Culture event) which will involve members of the well-respected HYPER JAPAN team running talks/panels and other entertainment on the cos.play stage at Play Expo!
Whether it’s Mario, Sonic, or any one of the 150+ Pokemon, it’s no secret that some gamers just love to dress up. We’re expecting to see lots of gamers in costume at Play Expo, and in our cos.play section we’ll be hosting a series of fan-based events, from costume contests and panels to game shows and concerts. Dress up, join in and most importantly play!
European Cosplay Gathering – UK Team
Saturday and Sunday, times TBC (in association with HYPER-JAPAN)
The European Cosplay Gathering is an international cosplay competition, with the UK heats held annually at HYPER JAPAN’s event in London. HYPER JAPAN will be bringing the entire UK winning team to Play Expo, who will be giving a series of talks on cosplay costume making and the European Cosplay Gathering itself.
Zombie Make-Up Panel
Saturday 1pm (in association with HYPER-JAPAN)
If you’ve played through Resident Evil and always wanted to be one of the zombies rather than the main character, then this is the panel for you. We’ll be demonstrating just how to transform yourself into a member of the living dead. Selected members of the audience will have the chance to try out the make-up techniques for themselves, with a prize for the best zombie created.
Cosplay Contest
Saturday 3pm, Sunday 2pm
Whether it’s as Lara Croft, Link from Zelda or the cake from Portal, cosplayers love to dress up! If you’re coming to Play Expo in costume, why not enter our cosplay contest for the chance to win some fantastic goodies? To take part, simply register at the cosplay desk at the Expo at least 45 minutes before the start of the contest.
Click here to see the complete rules for our cosplay competitions.
Cosplay Parade
Saturday 3pm, Sunday 2pm
Taking place just before the main contest, the Cosplay Parade is a chance for less competitive cosplayers to show off their costumes on stage. It’s 100% non-competitive and 100% fun! To take part, simply visit the cosplay desk on the day at least 45 minutes before the start of the contest.
Street Fighter skit from SG Stunt Team
Saturday and Sunday, times TBC
SG Stunt Team will be bringing Street Fighter to life with an action-packed demonstration on the cos.play stage, re-creating a battle between two legendary Street Fighter characters.
Zonic
Saturday 5pm
Cambridge-based electronic singer/songwriter Zonic will be performing a selection of songs from her latest album as well as covers of classic gaming tunes with a few retro arrangements thrown in. Such songs will feature tunes from Sonic the Hedgehog and Lemmings to The Sims and Portal!
Game Show
Sunday 4pm
Think you know everything there is to know about gaming? Then why not prove it at Play Expo – team up with a friend and take part in the Play Expo game show, where your joint knowledge of video games of all genres will be tested to its limit.
We are grateful to HYPER JAPAN for their assistance in running a number of our cos.play activities. If you love cosplay and Japanese culture, be sure to visit the HYPER JAPAN Christmas show at Earl’s Court in London on 23-25 November!