Cosplay Weapon Policy

Banned Items

‍Any metal blades, regardless of whether they are sharp or blunt. This includes but is not limited to swords, knives and axes.

• ‍Explosives and incendiary devices.
• ‍Pyrotechnics or fireworks.
• Actual guns, rifles or other firearms.
• ‍Heavy bats and paddles, including wooden and metal baseball or cricket bats.
• ‍Strung bows or crossbows that are capable of being drawn and/or fired. Arrows or bolts with sharp tips
• ‍Protruding nails, barbed wire or other sharp items.
• Anything that is restricted or prohibited by UK law.
• No solid metal melee weapons, whether sharp or blunt, will be allowed into the event.
• Any melee weapons must not have any sharp edges that might cause injury to yourself or others.
• Items which are no longer than 1.5m (5ft). Although we do make an exception for staves or large walking sticks, which may be up to 1.9m(6ft3), however, you must make sure that they are handled responsibly.
• Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards and scooters are not permitted in the indoor areas of the event.
• Anything that could be used as a blunt weapon, such as golf clubs, should be left at home.
• Realistic guns without a brightly coloured portion are not permitted.

There will be no exceptions made to the above rules, even if you have a special licence or training. Such items will be confiscated and attendees may be removed from the event and/or reported to the police at the organisers’ discretion.

Allowed weapons

Theatrical weapons, such as hollow aluminium swords, or foam weapons with a solid core, such as those used in live action role play, are permitted.

Weapons to be carried around the event should be made of lightweight materials such as plastic, foam, light wood or cardboard. Wooden or other solid (legal) replica weapons must be peace-bonded (unable to be drawn).

While heavy bats and paddles such as baseball or cricket bats are not allowed. Foam or plastic alternatives are allowed as long as they are lightweight.

Unrealistic guns made of plastic, such as brightly coloured toy guns or those that are clearly science-fiction based, are permitted providing they are not over 1.5m and aren’t heavy enough to be used as a blunt weapon.

‍Realistic replica guns are permitted only if they have a brightly coloured tip on the end of the muzzle and/or if they have a significant brightly coloured portion that is clearly visible.

‍Bows and crossbows are permitted as long as they are not strung, or if they are strung with weak elastic – it is important that your bow or crossbow cannot fire.  Metal tipped arrows or bolts are not permitted.

Most other kinds of ranged weapons, such as slings, are allowed as long as they have no ammunition loaded.

Most mundane items such as umbrellas, walking sticks and racquets are allowed as long as they are small and relatively lightweight.

Event Requirements

You must be able to demonstrate that any weapon is unable to be fired this means that where applicable, the magazine must be empty and the batteries removed.

Any attendee bringing a weapon must take care in crowded areas – you should be careful not to knock into anyone, especially with larger weapons, as this may cause injury.

Behave responsibly. Anyone engaging in dangerous behaviour or harassing others will have their weapon confiscated and may be removed from the event.

All weapons will need to be checked at registration and details of the weapon you are carrying will be logged against your ticket number.