Parade: Open to everyone in costume - sign up on the day.

Competition: Pre-registration required; craftsmanship-based; must meet construction and safety rules below. Ticket required; pre-reg competitors who bought a ticket receive VIP entry.

This is a craftsmanship-based competition.

• A minimum of 50% or more of the costume must be made by you, or curated from parts for screen accuracy.
• Competitors are encouraged to submit a build book documenting construction.
• You may reuse a costume from previous competitions only if it hasn't received any awards, or has been significantly altered since then.

Fan-art interpretations are allowed, but you must submit both the fan art and official design references, with an explanation of how the design was adapted.

Not permitted: realistic police or military uniforms; realistic replica weapons; R18 or otherwise unsuitable costumes for a public family event. If security might tackle someone over it, it's a no-go.

• All submissions are reviewed by the judging panel before the event - avoid last-minute surprises.
• You'll get an email with your prejudging time and location. Need a specific slot (makeup, elaborate costume, etc.)? Say so on the application; we'll do our best.
• Arrive 15 minutes early. Assemble outside the judging room and wait your turn.
• Running late? Message us ASAP - we'll try to help, but we can't run infinite slack.
• Accessibility: Tell us on the form. Contestants may bring one support person into the judging room.

Construction & technique

• Fabric choice and quality
• Seam finishes, hems, overall fit
• Patterning and tailoring
• Armour construction and painting craftsmanship

Accuracy & detailing

• Faithfulness to references
• Silhouette match
• Embellishments, lining, buttons
• Small details and character accuracy

Props & materials

• Creative material use
• Durability and portability
• Blunt edges and safe construction
• Paint, design, surface finishes

Wigs, makeup & prosthetics

• Wig styling and colour match
• Makeup application and prosthetic blending
• Sculpting, molding, or casting where applicable

Safety first. Props must comply with the following.

Allowed

• Foam, resin, EVA, Worbla, plastic, rubber, wood, fabric
• Blunt-edged or clearly fake / fantasy designs
• Toy weapons with disabled functionality (proof required)

Not allowed

• Realistic firearms (including replicas), lighters, vapes
• Sharp, heavy, or metal weapons (knives, swords, axes, etc.)
• Sports equipment used as weapons (bats, paddles, clubs)
• Working power tools or unsafe materials
• Bows with taut strings or metal tips

Size: No prop over 2 metres long or 10 kg. Props over 5 kg must be balanced so weight is evenly distributed, with balance point more than one-third of the prop length from the end.

Oversized costume? Email us in advance so we can plan.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, plus additional categories depending on submissions.

• Huge props or sets? Storage can be arranged - give us a heads-up first.
• If you need to turn sideways to fit a doorway, mind the crowd.
• No accidental-impalement hazards - unsafe builds may be benched.
• Be kind, hype each other up, and celebrate creativity.

By entering, you acknowledge that:

• Photos and/or video of you and your cosplay may be taken during the event.
• Those images may be used by The Retro Event and partners for marketing, promotion, and social media, whether you win or not.
• Your name and images may appear in future event materials, ads, and exemplar galleries.
• No extra compensation or permissions are required for that use.

The form requires you to confirm you agree to the above.