1. Any costume genre from video games, television, anime, manga etc may enter the masquerade.

2. A costume qualifies as handmade if it is 80% your own work. An altered costume will be eligible to receive points in the craftsmanship category for those specific components which are heavily altered or handmade entirely. All costumes will qualify for Character Concept and performance categories.

3. Any size group may enter the Masquerade, however if eligible for a prize this will be split evenly between participants.

4. The competition is open for all ages, but if under the age of 13 please make sure to get parental consent.

5. Original characters will be accepted but must be accompanied with concept of the character, this must be no longer than one A4 page.

6. Pre-judging does not take place for the masquerade, so we highly encourage you to include as much detail as possible within the application.

(If you are unsure of what to do on the day, just use the three point system! Three poses of at least ten seconds each.)

1. You may enter and/or perform to music and/or use a microphone during your performance. If you do not provide music, generic music will be provided for you.

2. Performances/Skits must be no longer than two minutes in length, please state if you are posing or the length of your skit time on your application form.

3. We highly advise you to visit the cosplay desk no later than two hours before the event is due to start to check through your requirements. If you do not visit the desk your requirements for your performance may be refused.

4. Arrive ready NO LATER THAN half an hour before the event is due to start.

5. We ask and encourage you to to visit us early in the day to talk through all performance elements requested. This includes setting up a ‘cue’ for when you would like your music track to be played.

*All entrants must comply with the Cosplay Masquerade General Ruleset and Props Rules.

The inclusion of reference images and construction notes on your application will be viewed favorably.

Craftsmanship

The quality of costume, props and accessories; and how well these elements are made.

Performance

Takes into account use of general performance conventions and how you interact with the audience; for example confident movements as well as general stage techniques used through performance.

Character Concept

This category is judged based on execution of your character concept and a clear display of character choice, be it accuracy to a character, a creative interpretation (e.g Steampunk Harley Quinn or cross play) or character likeness.

1. The judge’s decisions are final once made.

2. Costumes must be appropriate for a family friendly convention and include enough coverage to be worn in public.

3. All entrants must have a spare copy of their music track on USB.

4. We reserve the right to decline or stop a skit/performance at any time for any reason.

5. Use of excessive or inappropriate language such as swearing, committing an act which is viewed as something which may potentially harm yourself or others while on stage will also be immediately stopped, and you may be disqualified from the competition.

6. You agree to be filmed and photographed during the event, all rights of this belong to the event itself.

7. Rulesets and materials are provided for use to GEEK at the discretion of Costume and Play and cannot be copied or altered without prior permission from Costume and Play.

Prizes:

1. Any size group may enter the Masquerade, however if eligible for a prize this will be split evenly between participants.

2. All prizes are awarded by the event in question. Costume and Play accepts no responsibility towards prize receipt and time frame.

Weapons and props must be approved by security/staff before allowed into the convention, this may include checks which will be carried out by the cosplay team. Decisions made by the venue security and staff are final and these rules serve as a guide only.

The general rule is; ‘Would it break before you do?” If your answer is ‘no’ here then it means that someone could get hurt were this to happen. In which case we would recommend you leave it at home just so you don’t get disappointed once at the Convention.

1. No live weapons (deactivated guns, metal knives or swords, live bows or slingshots) are expressly prohibited, weather sheathed and/or piece bonded.

2. No pyrotechnics, explosives (including cap-guns) or incendiary items.

3. No weapons that can fire any sort of projectile, even foam darts or water, unless it can be shown to be empty, with a clear brightly covered safety tip and/or that only some parts have been used for the prop.

4. No sharp bits or edges, make sure they’re sanded/rounded/padded/covered or otherwise protected adequately.

5. No props made out of wood that is too heavy, large/ unwieldy (Blocks corridors/doorways or is likely to hit, hurt or inconvenience others.)

6. No actions which may lead event staff, attendees or members of the general public to believe you are in possession of a real live weapon.

7. In all cases, the weapon or prop must be no longer than 1.6 m (5.2ft).

8. Once outside of the convention hall please make sure you have a safe way to transport your props and that they are sufficiently covered.

Please be aware that that these rules are here to assure we have a safe Conventions for both Staff and Attendees. If you have been asked to put your prop away please be so kind and do so or in an extreme case you might risk being escorted from the Convention. If you are in doubt whether or not you would be allowed to bring your prop please send photos and a description of the prop to cosplay@costumeandplay.co.uk