Whether you're a first-time cosplayer or a seasoned costume maker, we invite you to showcase your creativity and passion. Our Cosplay Team are on hand for advice, information, and, just in case your costume or props aren't behaving, we will have access to tapes, scissors, and a few other bits and pieces, and will help in any way they can.

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Eligibility

• Entry is open to attendees with a valid Wexford Retro Con ticket.

• Competitors can register in two ways -

  • registration can also take place at the event before 12:00, at the designated Cosplay Desk beside the stage.

  • for online registration click HERE. All online registration must be received before 12:00 mid-day on the 25th of August 2026. Please note, you will have to sign in before 12:00 before the event, to ensure our Cosplay Team, know your at the event.

• Entrants under 16 years of age must have permission from a parent or guardian.

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult while participating.

• All costumes and performances must be family friendly

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Costume Requirements

• Costumes may represent characters from:

  • Movies

  • Television

  • Anime

  • Manga

  • Comics

  • Video Games

  • Books

  • Original Characters (OCs)

• Costumes may be handmade, commissioned, or purchased. Judges will consider craftsmanship separately from overall presentation.

• Competition Categories

  • Junior (Under 16)

  • Adult (16+) 75% or more self made

  • Adult (16+) mostly purchased costume

  • Judges' Choice

  • Overall Winner

(Competition organisers may combine or alter categories depending on entry numbers, don't worry, no entry will be left out)

 

Judging Criteria

Competitors will be judged on:

• Costume accuracy

• Craftsmanship

• Creativity

• Overall presentation

• Stage presence

• Character portrayal

Pre-judging may take place before the stage competition.

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Stage Performance

• Maximum performance time: 90 seconds.

• No dangerous stunts or acrobatics.

• Performances must remain family-friendly at all times.

• Offensive language, hate speech or discriminatory content is prohibited.

• Organisers reserve the right to stop any performance deemed unsafe or inappropriate.

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Props

 

Permitted:

• Foam weapons

• Plastic props

• Cardboard props

• Lightweight resin props

• Fabric accessories

 

Not Permitted:

• Real firearms

• Airsoft guns

• BB guns

• Metal swords

• Sharp blades

• Explosives

• Fireworks

• Smoke bombs

• Pyrotechnics

• Lasers directed at the audience

• Any item considered dangerous by event staff

 

Please Note: All props are subject to inspection.

 

Costumes & Conduct

Participants must:

• Wear suitable footwear.

• Ensure costumes allow safe movement.

• Keep costumes suitable for a family audience.

• Avoid costumes that create excessive hazards for others.

Body paint should be sealed where possible to prevent transfer onto venue property.

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Please Note:

         All costumes must be deemed family friendly by our cosplay team.

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Photography

 

By entering, competitors agree that photographs and video may be taken during the event.

These images may be used by Wexford Retro Con for:

• Social media

• Website

• Promotional material

• Future event marketing

 

Respect & Sportsmanship

 

Cosplay is for everyone.

Harassment, bullying, discrimination, or unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be tolerated.

Treat fellow competitors, judges, volunteers, photographers and attendees with respect.

 

Disqualification

 

Competitors may be disqualified for:

• Breaking safety rules

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

• Failure to follow organiser instructions

• Using prohibited props

• Exceeding performance limits

• Offensive or inappropriate behaviour

• Offensive or inappropriate costumes​

• Offensive or inappropriate performance

The judges' decisions are final.

 

Liability

Participants take part at their own risk.

Wexford Retro Con accepts no responsibility for loss of personal belongings, costume damage, or injury except where required by law.

 

Event Photography

Please be considerate when photographing cosplayers.

Always ask permission before taking close-up photographs and never touch another person's costume or props without permission.

 

Questions

If you have any questions before the event, please contact:

Email: cosplay@wexfordretro.ie

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We wish everyone the very best of luck and hope you have an amazing time at Wexford Retro Con 2026!