Yes, we can hear your cries of ‘Spoilsports!’ from here, but prop rules are there for a reason - to make sure everyone enjoys their time at the convention. Please find below our guidelines for props and weapons at AyaCon.

We've relaxed the rules slightly this year due to the spacious nature of the outside areas of the venue, but please keep in mind that any irresponsible behaviour with props will result in the confiscation of your prop until the end of the convention, and in severe cases may involve expulsion from the convention itself for those involved. You have been warned!

General Floor Cosplay Guidelines

Below are the rules applying to costumes worn at any time during convention with the exception of during the masquerade.

Costume

It should go without saying, but just in case – ‘no costume’ is no costume. Keep things covered please, we’re British! We won’t go around measuring skirt hems and this is an 18+ convention, but remember to keep things decent. Your costume can be from any source of media, fashion or original design - you may be recognised more coming as an anime or game character, but that shouldn't stop your ideas!

Weapons/Props

A lot of costumes have weird and wonderful props to go with them; in all cases we ask that you think about whether the prop is necessary and whether it is suitable for carrying around. If your costume simply won't do without the prop or you don't intend on entering the masquerade, then please make sure you avoid the below:

Firearms – At no point are you permitted to carry any replica firearms (BB, airsoft, etc) around the convention. Toy guns (plastic shop bought, or hand made) are accepted with the following rules:

• If realistic, the tip must be painted bright orange.
• You must holster any weapons when not posing for a photo.
• You must store the weapon in a bag when traveling outside of the convention rooms, unless posing for a photo.

If you have a fantasy or sci-fi themed weapon that cannot be mistaken in any way for a common gun, these rules are relaxed.

Blades – At no point are you permitted to carry any live blades around the convention.

Within reason, all other props would be accepted as long as they comply with the size rules below. Concerning materials used, as long as the item has no exceedingly sharp edges or points that could cause damage to the surrounding venue or injure others, there are no further restrictions on construction materials.

Size

Please note this change to last Ayacon's rules! Oversize weapons and costumes can cause problems in busy areas and are a potential fire hazard, as such any weapons over the size of one metre in length will not be allowed in any of the convention buildings , with the exception of heading to Cosplay HQ to leave it with us, or just before/after the masquerade. This will mean that you cannot attend panels/workshops while carrying any oversized weapons, but you are more than welcome to bring them along to the convention for photoshoots in one of the many versatile areas around the venue.

When you want to attend events, you are encouraged to drop off your weapon at Cosplay HQ or back at your room. (Let's face it, it's a bit hard to browse the dealer's room with a 6 foot Cross Punisher really...)

For oversized items attached to your body (wings, armour etc) please act sensibly, and do not be offended if you are not allowed in places such as a very cramped dealers room.

Masquerade Guidelines

As we're relaxing the floor prop rules slightly, there isn't much change to the masquerade rules. You are allowed any sized prop (as long as you can get it through a double door) for the masquerade and there are no restrictions regarding materials used. So with the exception of live blades and firearms, there are currently no further restrictions on masquerade props. The only exception is any Airsoft firearm, which must be presented to the cosplay organiser prior to the masquerade to approve that it cannot be fired. (Please note that Airsoft replica weapons are not permitted on display on campus at any point during the rest of the weekend.)

Prop 'drop off' area - Cosplay HQ

We'll have a dedicated area in the Cosplay HQ for storing props throughout the weekend, for if you are staying offsite, or wish to attend an event and just want to leave it with us for an hour or so. Please note that due to space will we only store props or weapons, I'm afraid we will not be able to extend this offer to any luggage. We'll have the opening times up for the Cosplay HQ (and respectively the drop off area) closer to the convention.

General Safety

For costumes that have limited visibility, mobility or can cause overheating please ensure that you have a friend on hand at all times to avoid injury. There are water dispensers around the venue and one in the Cosplay HQ itself.