Before You Come Geek Out With Us

We get very busy in the run-up to (and during) the show, so before you fire off an email, have a nosy at the website and FAQ page first — the answer is probably already there, and it’ll get to you faster than we can!

CLICK HERE to check our Cosplay & Banned Items policy before you pack your bag.

Anything our security team deems dangerous or against policy will be politely confiscated and handed back at the end of the show. Rule of thumb: if in doubt, leave it at home.

The Basics

• Have your tickets ready — printed or on your phone, ready to be scanned.
• Double-check you’re turning up on the right day, at the right time.
• Make sure you’re queuing in the right line (Early Admission vs General Admission) — nobody wants that long walk of shame to the back of the correct queue.
• Pack a brolly or poncho, just in case the British weather does its thing.
• You WILL be walking a lot, so wear comfy shoes — even with your costume. Gel insoles are a secret weapon for happy feet.
• If it all gets a bit much, there’s loads of open space outside to grab some air and reset.
• It gets warm in there once the crowds pile in — bring deodorant and stay fresh, for everyone’s sake.
• Got a power-hungry phone? Bring a battery pack so you’re not stuck hunting for a socket.

Show Me the Money

• There are no cashpoints on site, so bring enough cash for the day. Some traders take card, but don’t rely on it — look up ATMs near the venue and your hotel before you set off.
• Guests often price things in multiples of £5 (£15, £25, £35…) — stock up on fivers or the right change.
• When buying anything, try to pay with the nearest change you can — traders can’t magic up endless coins.
• Keep your fluids up — it’s a long day, and drinks are available from our food vendors.

Meeting the Guests

• Q&A sessions near the end of a guest’s panel can get delightfully cringey — we get it, star-struck brains go blank! Just remember: you’ll be asking your question in front of hundreds of people, so give it a moment’s thought first.
• Selfies with guests are often a paid extra these days — that’s how many of them make their living, so come prepared.
• Autographs, selfies, and combos (autograph + selfie at a discount) usually cost money — bring fivers or exact change, as guest assistants won’t always have change to spare.
• Prices for autographs, selfies, photoshoots and combos are displayed behind each guest, along with their photoshoot times and lunch breaks.

Cosplay Etiquette

• Be kind to cosplayers and fellow fandoms — what’s not your thing might be someone else’s whole world, and vice versa.
• Cosplayers generally love photos — they’ve poured serious effort into those costumes and want to show them off. Don’t be shy… but always ask first.
• Don’t grab or drag anyone into a photo, and mind your hands when posing. Shoulders: always safe. An arm around the waist: usually fine. Anything else: not okay. Cosplay is not consent.
• If you’re the one in costume, be ready to pose a LOT — and if your outfit is big or heavy, pack extra deodorant and top it up through the day.

Bringing the Kids

Just so you know: NORCON is primarily an adult convention, and children are welcome to join in as long as they’re supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the day. 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

With that in mind, a few things worth knowing before you bring the little ones:

• Panels and stage segments are aimed at an adult crowd — it’s a live show, so the odd bit of language or humour that’s more grown-up in nature can slip through here and there.
• Our cosplayers cover every style imaginable, and some costumes are a bit more risqué than others (hello, Slave Leia). Little ones might ask a question or two about an outfit — worth having an answer ready!
• We also have body-painting exhibitors on site — models are always fully covered, no nudity involved, but if it’s not your thing, it’s easy enough to head to another part of the venue.
• Alongside the familiar Disney, Marvel and DC-inspired costumes, you’ll spot a few darker or more elaborate ones too. If anything feels a bit much for younger or more nervous attendees, NORCON is huge, so there’s always space to step back and take a breather.

If your little one fancies dressing up, let them choose their own costume — they’ll love it. People may ask for photos, so it’s worth agreeing some ground rules beforehand and keeping them close by.

For younger kids, writing a contact number and popping it in their pocket is a handy just-in-case — we’ve got pens and blank wristbands available if needed. And if you do get separated, head to the ARENA MAIN FOYER, where our security team will help reunite you.

The Golden Rule

There’s a mountain of info already on the website — check the FAQ and event pages for answers, plus the latest schedule and guest updates.

HAVE FUN. That’s the whole point of NORCON. Leave your worries at the door, dive in, and soak up all that geeky goodness.

GET YOUR GEEK ON AT NORCON!!!