Before You Come Geek Out With Us

NORCON gets very busy in the run-up to the event and during the show itself, so before firing off an email, please take a quick look through the website and our FAQ page first. Chances are, the answer you need is already there — and you’ll get it much faster than waiting for us to reply!

CLICK HERE to read our Cosplay & Banned Items Policy before packing your costume, props or equipment.

Anything our security team considers unsafe, inappropriate or against event policy may be refused entry or securely held until you leave the event.

A simple rule: if you’re unsure whether you should bring it, leave it at home.

The Basics

• Have your tickets ready before you reach the entrance — either printed or displayed clearly on your phone ready to be scanned.

• Double-check that you’re arriving on the correct day and at the correct admission time.

• Make sure you join the correct queue — Early Admission or General Admission. Nobody wants the walk of shame all the way to the back of the other queue!

• This is Britain, so a brolly or poncho is never a bad idea.

• You’ll be doing plenty of walking, so wear comfortable footwear — even if you’re in costume. Gel insoles can be an absolute lifesaver.

• If things get a little overwhelming, there’s plenty of open space outside where you can get some fresh air and take a break.

• The Arena can get warm once thousands of people are inside, so deodorant is strongly recommended. Your fellow geeks will thank you.

• If your phone eats battery for breakfast, bring a power bank. You really don’t want to spend half the day hunting for a plug socket.

• Stay hydrated. It can be a long day, and drinks are available from our food and drink vendors throughout the event.

Show Me the Money

• There are no cashpoints on site. Most traders accept cards, but please don’t rely entirely on card payments. It’s worth locating an ATM near your hotel or on your route before you arrive.

• Autographs and photoshoots can be paid for by card/contactless on the day.

• Guest prices are often in multiples of £5 — £15, £25, £35 and so on — so having a few £5 notes or the correct change can make life much easier.

• When paying traders or guests in cash, please try to use the closest amount possible. They only have a limited amount of change and sadly cannot magically produce an endless supply of fivers!

Meeting the Guests

Meeting one of your favourite actors, performers or creators can turn even the most confident person into a nervous wreck — and that’s completely normal.

• If you’re planning to ask a question during a guest Q&A, give it a little thought beforehand. You may be asking it in front of several hundred people!

• Selfies with guests are often a paid extra. For many guests, conventions form part of their professional income, so please respect their pricing.

• Autographs, selfies and combination deals usually carry a charge. Prices vary from guest to guest.

• Prices for autographs, selfies, photoshoots and combination deals will be clearly displayed near each guest.

• Photoshoot times, scheduled breaks and other guest information will also be displayed in the guest area.

Cosplay Etiquette

Cosplay is one of the things that makes NORCON such a brilliant spectacle, so please help us keep it friendly, respectful and enjoyable for everyone.

• Be respectful of other cosplayers and fandoms. What might not be your thing could mean the absolute world to somebody else.

• Most cosplayers love having their photo taken — they’ve often spent weeks or months creating their costumes — but always ask first.

• Never grab, pull or drag somebody into a photo.

• Be mindful of where you place your hands when posing with somebody. A hand on the shoulder is generally fine. Anything more personal should only happen with clear permission.

• Cosplay is not consent.

• If you’re wearing an impressive costume, be prepared to stop for plenty of photographs throughout the day.

• Large, padded or armoured costumes can get very warm, so bring water, take regular breaks and keep yourself fresh.

Bringing the Kids

NORCON is primarily designed as an adult convention, but children are very welcome to attend and enjoy the event with their families.

Children aged 14 and under must remain accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the day.

There are a few things parents and guardians should be aware of:

• Stage panels and live segments are generally aimed at an adult audience. It is a live show, so occasional adult humour or language may occur. Parents and guardians can decide whether a particular panel is suitable for themselves or their children.

• Our cosplayers represent an enormous range of characters and styles. Some costumes may be more revealing or mature than others, so younger visitors may occasionally have questions!

• We may also have body-painting exhibitors at the event. Models are appropriately covered and there is no nudity, but if it isn’t something you wish your children to see, you can simply move on to another part of the venue.

• Alongside the familiar Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and DC characters, you may also encounter horror characters, monsters and darker costumes.

• If something feels a little too intense for younger or more nervous attendees, there is plenty of room around NORCON to move away, take a break and come back when they’re ready.

If your child wants to dress up, brilliant — let them choose a character they love and get involved.

Other visitors may ask to take photographs, so it’s worth discussing some simple ground rules with your child beforehand and keeping them close throughout the event.

For younger children, we strongly recommend placing a parent or guardian’s contact number somewhere secure on them, just in case you become separated. We have pens and blank wristbands available if required.

If you do become separated from your child, please head straight to the ARENA MAIN FOYER, where our security team will help reunite you as quickly as possible.

The Golden Rule

There is a huge amount of useful information already available on the NORCON website.

Before attending, please check the FAQ, event information, guest pages and latest schedule so you know exactly what to expect.

Most importantly…

HAVE FUN.

That is what NORCON is all about.

Leave the outside world at the door, embrace your fandom, meet some amazing people, take far too many photos, buy something you definitely didn’t need and enjoy the atmosphere.

GET YOUR GEEK ON AT NORCON!