1. Sign-ups will close one hour before the event and two days before the event if accompanied with music/tech.
2. You must arrive for ordering: NO LATER THAN 30 MINUTES BEFORE the masquerade is due to start. IF YOU HAVE MUSIC – NO LATER THAN 45 MINUTES.
3. Any size group and any costume 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. 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. These will be awarded at the judge’s discretion. All costumes will qualify for relevant categories where applicable. (If you need help identifying your costume e-mail us:cosplay@costumeandplay.co.uk)
6. We always encourage entrants to the masquerade to enter with a skit/performance (up to two minutes, music must be sent to us beforehand) and/or reference pictures but this is not essential. If you are unsure of what to do on the day, just use the three point system! (See performance rules.)
7. Original characters will be accepted but must be accompanied with concept of the character, this must be no longer than one A4 page.
8. Participants must comply with prop rules.

Costumes will be judged in three areas, weighted evenly, by our professional judging team.

1. Craftsmanship -The quality of costume, props and accessories; and how well these elements are made.
2. Performance –Takes into account use of general performance conventions and how you interact with the audience; for example confident movements between and during poses, as well as general stage techniques used through performance.
3. Character Concept –This category is judged based on execution of your character concept and a clear display of character choice, be it a creative interpretation (e.g Steampunk Harley Quinn or cross play), character likeness or an original character. It is highly recommended you include something about the choices you have made in regards to your execution of the elements of your costume/performance/character choice within the ‘list three distinctive things’ section of the application form.

PLEASE NOTE: – The judge’s decisions are final once made.

Please do check your requirements through with us on the day nice and early to make sure we have everything prepared!

1. You may enter and/or perform to music, this must be with us no later than two days before the event. If you do not provide music generic music will be provided for you.
2. Performance is entirely optional, however we do encourage you to come to the desk early to set up a basic ‘cue’ with us if you have your own music track. There are two basic types of cues, you begin your performance or movement off stage and we start the music, you begin your performance on stage and give us a signal when to start the music. Please make note of this in the performance section of your application.
3. If you are not performing we ask for a minimum of three poses of at least ten seconds each, this is called the three point system.
4. You agree to be filmed and photographed during the event, all rights of this belong to the event itself.

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

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.

Weapons and props must be approved by staff before allowed into the convention, this includes 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.

1. When outside of the convention hall, please make sure you have a safe way to transport your props and that they are sufficiently covered. Take extra precaution when traveling through high traffic areas such as the airport and railways stations, so as not to cause alarm or issue to others. 
2. 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.
3. No live weapons (deactivated guns, metal knives or swords, live bows or slingshots) are expressly prohibited, weather sheathed and/or piece bonded.
4. No pyrotechnics, explosives (including cap-guns) or incendiary items.
5. No weapons that can fire any sort of projectile, even foam darts or water, unless it can be shown to be empty and/or that only some parts have been used for the prop.
6. No sharp bits or edges, make sure they’re sanded/rounded/padded/covered or otherwise protected adequately.
7. No props made out of wood that is too heavy, large/ unwieldy (Blocks corridors/doorways or is likely to hit, hurt or inconvenience others.)
8. 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.
9. In all cases, the weapon or prop must be no longer than 1.6 m (5.2ft). Any items longer this may be used in the Masquerade only and must be handed in to Registrations & Help Desk for safekeeping until then. If they are not handed in prior to the Masquerade they will not be permitted in the event itself.

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 with the title ‘PROP QUESTION’ and the name of the convention. cosplay@costumeandplay.co.uk