Comic-Con, Cosplay and Celebration

Twice a year, at the end of May and October, the London Excel Centre is overtaken by thousands of pop culture fans, from comics to video games to anime to celebrate their interests.

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Running since 2001, MCM London Comic Con is the largest convention of its kind in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. I have been attending these events since 2014 and I keep going back!

The event lasts a full weekend (Friday to Sunday), but many opt to travel to the area on the day before, and with great train links from central London and the new Elizabeth Line opening just before the event, how better to travel? This is what we did, spending Thursday evening shopping for food and catching up in the hotel.

Cosplay is a huge part of comic con, so of course we decided to participate. I focused on anime and gaming characters, while my friend chose some famous superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

The venue was one stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from our hotel, so we hopped on, and it took us directly to the entrance. Once we were through the initial queues, which rarely take long, we headed to the outside space known as The Green to find some friends. As we were in costume, we decided to make sure we got some photos to commemorate the experience.

We made sure to then head back inside the convention to look through the stalls and event stands. There was a lot to see across the two sides of the hall, so we had to take a short break between them. The stalls ranged from artwork to clothing, games and collectibles and experiences, I could easily have spent a fortune here! With our time up for the day, we headed to our friend’s hotel lobby to socialise into the evening.

Saturday has always been the busiest day of this event and this time was no exception. Our day was spent in a very similar way, with a lot of photos and socialising; the main difference to the Friday is the after-party event at The Fox Bar next to the venue. The restaurant/bar transforms in the evenings into a party venue for comic con attendees to enjoy a club-like feel with a K-Pop, anime, and pop culture theme. If this isn’t quite for you, you’re able to sit upstairs where it is much quieter to socialise with friends.

With one final day left, we wanted to make the most of it. We started by getting some more photos before looking back through the stalls. As a lot of vendors here don’t want to take their stock back with them, this is the best time to find a deal on an item you may want.

Sunday is also home to the Cosplay Masquerade, a crafting and performance competition recognised on an international level. This is where you’ll find some of the most talented cosplayers and crafters who make their costumes and props from scratch. The Masquerade marks the end of the event and what a way to end it!

MCM London Comic Con will return to the Excel Centre in October, with tickets already on sale on their website. I cannot wait!

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