Welcome to Retro Con Cosplay
Cosplay is one of the most exciting and creative parts of any convention. It's a chance to celebrate the characters, stories, and worlds that have inspired us through film, television, comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture. Whether you've spent months handcrafting every detail of your costume or you're proudly wearing your favourite character for the very first time, you're an important part of what makes our event so special. At Wexford Retro Con, we believe cosplay is about having fun, expressing your creativity, and sharing your passion with others. From first-time cosplayers to award-winning costume makers, come to Retro Con and meet with your friends, make new friends, talk to amazing like minded people in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.
If your taking it to the next level, come and be part of our Cosplay Competition, tell us about your costume, about your character and what they mean to you. Come up on stage, be amazing, be incredible, be yourself, and be part of the show and enter the Retro Con Coplay Competition.
The competition will be judged by a panel, which will include two of our celebrity guests! It will be an incredible experience.
Cosplay competition is on Saturday the 29th, enter on the day at our Coplay Desk, beside the stage, before 12:00, or you can enter online.
The retro con cosplay team
Isabel Whitmore
Meet Isabel, a 25-year-old cosplayer from Wexford, whose passion for creativity and storytelling shines through every stitch and pose. A lifelong fan of Disney, Marvel, and DC, Isabel brings her favourite characters to life with dedication, precision, and a deep love for the worlds they come from.
“Cosplay is more than just a hobby for me — it’s my favourite form of self-expression. Whether I'm donning a detailed superhero suit or reimagining a classic Disney icon, I pour my heart and craft into every cosplay I do, always striving for screen-accurate detail. I have been privileged to take part in the judging of cosplay competitions in the last few consecutive years at events such as Dublin Comic Con. I am honoured to be invited to host the cosplay competition at RetroCon for the first time this year. Being part of such a vibrant and talented community is something I do not take for granted, and I’m proud to help celebrate the incredible work of fellow cosplayers from across the country.”
With a growing online presence and an ever-expanding cosplay closet, Isabel continues to inspire with her creativity, passion, and unwavering love for the characters who sparked her imagination in the first place.
Isabel
Elijah
Meet Elijah, who has competed in cosplay competitions at major Irish events, including Dublin Comic Con and GamerFest, where fully handmade costumes have brought a wide range of animated and gaming characters to life. Every costume is carefully crafted from the ground up, capturing the unique personality and detail of each character.
Away from the convention stage, Jordan is also an accomplished artist, creating illustrations of fan-favourite characters as well as designing and developing original creations. The artwork showcases both technical skill and imagination, making each piece instantly recognisable while reflecting a unique own artistic style.
"I really love cosplay because it's a creative way to have fun with like-minded people. It's a fantastic community where I've made great friends and continue to meet new people at every event. I enjoy the challenge of creating costumes from scratch, from sewing and prop-making to finding inventive ways to recycle everyday materials and give them a new lease of life. Being part of the Retro Con team is an amazing experience. I love encouraging new cosplayers, learning from experienced makers, and helping others however I can. Most of all, it's about having a great time together."
Visitors can also find Jordan's original artwork at the InkForge Studios stand. Be sure to stop by, browse the collection, say hello to Ray, running the stand, who will be delighted to chat about the bespoke artwork of both Ray and Jordan.
Elijah
Retro Con Cosplay competition entry form
Retro Con Cosplay Competition rules and conditions
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.
Eligibility
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Entry is open to attendees with a valid Wexford Retro Con ticket.
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Competitors can register in two ways -
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registration can also take place at the event before 12:00, at the designated Cosplay Desk beside the stage.
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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.
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Entrants under 16 years of age must have permission from a parent or guardian.
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Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult while participating.
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All costumes and performances must be family friendly
Costume Requirements
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Costumes may represent characters from:
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Movies
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Television
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Anime
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Manga
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Comics
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Video Games
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Books
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Original Characters (OCs)
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Costumes may be handmade, commissioned, or purchased. Judges will consider craftsmanship separately from overall presentation.
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Competition Categories
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Junior (Under 16)
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Adult (16+) 75% or more self made
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Adult (16+) mostly purchased costume
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Judges' Choice
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Overall Winner
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(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:
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Costume accuracy
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Craftsmanship
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Creativity
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Overall presentation
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Stage presence
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Character portrayal
Pre-judging may take place before the stage competition.
Stage Performance
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Maximum performance time: 90 seconds.
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No dangerous stunts or acrobatics.
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Performances must remain family-friendly at all times.
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Offensive language, hate speech or discriminatory content is prohibited.
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Organisers reserve the right to stop any performance deemed unsafe or inappropriate.
Props
Permitted:
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Foam weapons
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Plastic props
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Cardboard props
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Lightweight resin props
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Fabric accessories
Not Permitted:
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Real firearms
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Airsoft guns
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BB guns
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Metal swords
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Sharp blades
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Explosives
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Fireworks
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Smoke bombs
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Pyrotechnics
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Lasers directed at the audience
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Any item considered dangerous by event staff
Please Note: All props are subject to inspection.
Costumes & Conduct
Participants must:
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Wear suitable footwear.
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Ensure costumes allow safe movement.
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Keep costumes suitable for a family audience.
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Avoid costumes that create excessive hazards for others.
Body paint should be sealed where possible to prevent transfer onto venue property.
Please Note:
All costumes must be deemed family friendly by our cosplay team.
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:
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Social media
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Website
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Promotional material
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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:
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Breaking safety rules
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Unsportsmanlike conduct
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Failure to follow organiser instructions
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Using prohibited props
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Exceeding performance limits
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Offensive or inappropriate behaviour
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Offensive or inappropriate costumes
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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