• All cosplays must adhere to the convention rules in regards to dress and props.
• There are three classes, Bard, Adventurer and Artificer. There are slightly different requirements for each.
• Adventurer entries must have made 50% or more of their cosplay, and Artificer entries must have made 80% or more of their cosplay.
• Bards must have bought, thrifted, commissioned or made less than 50% of their cosplay and have a performance plan.
• Digitally submitted progress books are required for Adventurers and Artificers, but are not judged competitively.
• Best in Show and Best Adventurer are weighted 35% Craftsmanship, 35% Accuracy/Creativity and 30% Performance.
• Only one entry per person per event.
• Groups are capped at 6 people and qualify for all categories/prizes depending on their class.
• Entries must be 16 or over for the Artificer class.
• Performances are not automatically accepted, and the Cosplay team reserves the right to reject performances that are unfit for the Masquerade.
• All performances must be under 2 minutes.
• Performances must be family friendly and safe for the audience and performer. Cosplayers must be able to move on the stage unassisted, or have their own handler attending with them.
• Good sportsmanship is required. An entrant can be removed from the Masquerade or disqualified from future shows for poor sportsmanship.
• You must complete an online pre-check before the show, and sign in on the day at the cosplay zone by 1pm or at your pre-judging slot.
• An advanced waitlist system will be operated once registrations are full. There will be no on-the day registrations, but no-shows spots can be given to waitlisted entries attending the show.
• By entering the competition you agree that your photo and video may be taken by attendees while onstage and in the stage area, and that MegaCon Live, Guild of Nerds and other subsidiaries of these entities may use your image for advertising or sponsor purposes.

Full version of the cosplay masquerade rules can be downloaded here

Cosplay is not consent 

• Cosplay and costumes are NOT an invitation to touch, or harass anybody – Always respect boundaries
• This includes a cosplayer’s costume and props – Do not touch these without permission! 
• Please do not hesitate to contact one of our team , or pay a visit to the organisers office if you have any issues over the weekend. 

Ask before you photograph!

• Please always ask cosplayers for permission to take pictures (and respect those wishes if they say no for any reason!)
• Remember that Cosplayers always have the right to say no to images
• Please don’t assume that just because somebody is in cosplay they are happy for an image to be taken without permission. 

Not your photo? Wait! 

• Many cosplayers LOVE posing for pictures at events and we guarantee that your picture will be 100% better if they’re looking at YOUR camera
• Don’t snipe someone else’s shot, or take an image if a cosplayer is posing for somebody else. Simply wait and ask when they’re done with anybody before you – we guarantee it’ll make for a more memorable interaction and image! 

Cosplay is for EVERYONE

• It doesn’t matter about Race, Age, Gender or Body Type – Cosplay is for everyone
• More than one person can cosplay the same character and no fan has more right to do so than another fan
• The cosplay community is an amazingly supportive one and there is no room for any form of shaming 

Remember, Cosplayers are human too 

• Please please PLEASE remember that cosplayers are humans (and more importantly, fans like the rest of us!)
• Don’t like the character? Move along

Have fun & help us create a positive environment! 

• Complement Cosplay
• Always respect boundaries and decisions 
• Don’t know a character? Take an interest and find out more! 
• HAVE FUN!

Fan X Live reserve the right to deny entry, withdraw access, or cancel tickets without refund at any Fan X Live event to anyone deemed to be breaking these rules. Moreover, Fan X Live and security for the event and venue reserve the right to reject or confiscate any weapon or prop if deemed likely to cause a nuisance. Confiscated items, that can legally be returned to you, can be collected as you leave the event.

If you have an unusual item or need further clarification, please email cosplay@fanxevents.com with as much detail and images of the item as possible so we can advise. Note that no absolute assurance can be given without seeing and holding the item in question.

Detailed weapons policy can be found here