Cosplay Application Form

Welcome to the TFNation 2026 Cosplay Application form!

Whether you're a first-timer, or a veteran of our stage, please take a moment to read this page carefully so you understand how this year's Cosplay Parade will shape up!

WILL I NEED TO PRE-REGISTER?

Yes – you MUST pre-register AND be accepted to appear in the Parade.

For safety and logistical reasons there is an upper limit on the number of cosplayers we can welcome each year. As such, we are not able to accept on the day applications.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Step One - The Cosplay Parade takes place during Saturday Night ClubCon. So you will need a Saturday and a ClubCon ticket before you can register. 

Step Two – You’ll then use the form at the bottom of this web page to submit your application – they’re open right now!  Applications will close at 6pm (BST) on Sunday 28^th June 2026.

Step Three – We’ll aim to have applications reviewed within 14 days of closing, depending on how many questions arise. We’ll then contact every applicant, to let you know if you’ve been selected this time.

If we receive more applications than we are able to accommodate, TFN judges will decide which applications to progress – so be sure to include all the relevant details when you apply!  

If we notify you that you’ve not been selected this time, you’re still very welcome to wear your cosplay around the rest of the convention.

HOW WILL PRE-JUDGING WORK?

Pre-judging is presently scheduled to take place at approximately 16:30 (BST) in the Warwick Suite, before ClubCon opens to attendees at 18:00 (BST) in the Kings Suite. Please note: these timings are subject to our final schedule of events and therefore may change - don't worry, we will make an announcement if necessary.

Each entrant will be afforded up to one minute each to present their costume to the Judges. You'll be able to use this minute in any way you like, such as simply showing your costume, or explaining your ideas either verbally, or with progress images, etc.

The Judges will then be able to ask any questions they may have. (The judges may not need to ask questions, if they've already fully understood your entry)

There’s no fixed order, but please do arrive on time as if you miss pre-judging, you may not be able to take part in the Parade.

During this time, our stage crew will also show you to the Kings Suite, so you can see where you will be entering and exiting the stage. Please listen to them carefully so we can ensure everybody is kept safe.

WHAT ABOUT THE PARADE ITSELF?

The Parade will take place shortly after our evening entertainment begins at 18:00 (BST) in the Kings Suite (ClubCon). 

Our stage crew will tell you the order in which you will be called to the stage.

Cosplayers will wait behind the stage until their turn. We’ll have water and chairs available for Cosplayers who are able to sit in their costumes.

Once called, you will walk through the curtains and up some steps onto the stage. Here you’ll have a little time to pose and show off your costume.  We'll then fade out your music, and announce your character name again as you exit via the ramp.

(If you are not able to walk up the steps, please indicate this in your application, so we can provide a modified route for you).

Please note - owing to the presence of musical instruments on stage this year, it may be necessary for us to modify the cosplay parade path to keep everybody safe. Thank you for your understanding.

Following the Parade, winners will be notified and called back to the stage.

SOME GUIDANCE ON YOUR APPLICATION

Mech Cosplay: Includes full and partial rig costumes, replicating the appearance of robot characters from Transformers.

Human Cosplay: Includes human characters from Transformers, such as Verity Carlo and Spike Witwicky, holomatter designs such as those seen in the IDW comics, and humanised interpretations of Transformers robot characters.

The judging panel will be chosen in advance by TFNation staff. The judges will choose the winners based on numerous factors, which might include;

• Accuracy (where relevant);
• Creativity (where relevant);
• Overall Presentation / Craftsmanship;

These categories are just there to give guidance to entrants and judges alike, and are not fixed scoring categories. (So for instance, you won't score negatively on creativity, when trying to make an accurate portrayal of a character)

All entrants must please adhere to the following rules, and are deemed to have provided their agreement to the same, by completing the application form;

1. Entrants must hold a valid Clubcon ticket for the event.
2. There is no age restriction, however, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
3. All aspects of your presentation must be suitable for a family-friendly audience.
4. One entry per person.
5. Costumes must be your own work. Small commissions / bought parts are allowed but must be declared to judges.
6. No live or sharp weapons, props or laser pointers.
7. No food.
8. No liquids.
9. No projectiles (which includes throwing).
10. No confetti, smoke, or fire.
11. No elaborate performances which exceed your allotted time.
12. No pets / animals.

Please note, Judges' decisions are final. If your costume/presentation breaks these rules, we reserve the right to ask you to make a change, or we may remove your entry from the competition. Obviously, we very much hope that won't be necessary, but trust you'll appreciate we have to ensure everybody's safety.

Thanks for taking the time to read this message - we can't wait to see you and your wonderful creations at TFNation!