UK Comic Convention February 2026
UK Comic Convention February 2026: Complete First-Timer's Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare for your first Comic Con experience
✅ Quick Answer: What Do I Need for UK Comic Con February 2026?
February 2026 is packed with amazing UK conventions, from Oxford Comic Con (Feb 8-9) to Birmingham Comic Con (Feb 28 - Mar 1)! Here's your priority checklist: 1) Book convention tickets as early as possible — popular events sell out fast. 2) For costumes, Coshduk offers fast UK shipping (5-8 days) — use code BG10 for 10% off. 3) Prepare your convention survival kit: comfortable shoes, repair supplies, portable charger, cash, and snacks. 4) Study the convention schedule and map in advance. 5) Remember: you don't need an elaborate costume to enjoy Comic Con — many first-timers attend in casual clothes and have an amazing time!
📅 February 2026 UK Comic Convention Schedule
Complete listing of comic conventions, anime expos, and gaming events across the UK this February. Plan your attendance now!
| Event Name | Date | Location | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Oxford Comic Con
Comics, Gaming, Cosplay
|
February 8-9 Sat-Sun |
Oxford Town Hall
Oxford City Centre
|
£18-25 |
|
London Comic Con Winter
Major Event - Celebrity Guests
|
February 15-16 Sat-Sun |
Olympia London
Kensington, London W14
|
£22-45 |
|
Manchester Anime & Gaming Con
Anime, Manga, Japanese Culture
|
February 15-16 Sat-Sun |
Manchester Central
Manchester City Centre
|
£20-35 |
|
Leicester Comic Con
Family-Friendly Event
|
February 22 Sunday |
Athena Leicester
Leicester City Centre
|
£12-18 |
|
Cardiff Anime & Gaming Con
Wales' Largest Anime Event
|
February 22-23 Sat-Sun |
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Cardiff City Centre
|
£18-30 |
|
Birmingham Comic Con
⭐ Major Event - West Midlands
|
February 28 - March 1 Sat-Sun |
NEC Birmingham
National Exhibition Centre
|
£20-38 |
💡 First-Timer Tip: Choosing Your Convention
For your first Comic Con, consider a mid-sized event like Oxford or Leicester Comic Con. They're less overwhelming than major London events, have shorter queues, and offer a more personal experience. However, if you want celebrity guests and the full blockbuster experience, London Comic Con Winter or Birmingham Comic Con are excellent choices!
⏰ Preparation Timeline (2.1 → 2.28)
Your complete week-by-week action plan to prepare for February 2026 conventions, culminating in Birmingham Comic Con
📋 Planning & Ticket Booking Phase
Set your foundation for a successful convention experience:
- Choose your convention(s) — Review the February schedule and decide which events to attend
- Purchase tickets online — Advance tickets are cheaper and guarantee entry
- Order costume with fast shipping — Visit Coshduk.com, use code BG10 for 10% off (5-8 day UK delivery)
- Book accommodation if attending events far from home
- Book train/coach tickets — Advance bookings save significant money
🎭 Oxford Comic Con Final Prep Feb 8-9
For those attending Oxford Comic Con this weekend:
- Print tickets and save digital copies to phone
- Test your costume — wear for 2+ hours to check comfort
- Pack your convention bag with all essentials
- Charge all devices — phone, camera, portable charger
- Check weather forecast and plan layers accordingly
- Confirm travel arrangements and timings
👗 Costume Refinement & Research
Mid-month preparation for upcoming events:
- Receive and try on your Coshduk costume — note any adjustments needed
- Practice makeup/wig styling if applicable
- Research guest appearances and photo op booking windows
- Download convention apps and study floor plans
- Join Facebook groups for your chosen conventions for insider tips
- Prepare your cosplay repair kit (safety pins, tape, sewing kit)
🎪 London & Manchester Con Prep Feb 15-16
Final preparations for the major mid-February events:
- Full costume dress rehearsal — take test photos
- Create your personalized panel/event schedule
- Set merchandise budget and withdraw cash
- Pack overnight bag if staying near venue
- Prepare comfortable change of clothes for after cosplaying
- Get good rest — convention days are long!
📸 Review & Refine
Learn from earlier events and prepare for the next:
- Review photos from previous conventions — identify improvements
- Repair or adjust costume based on experience
- Restock consumables (snacks, repair kit supplies)
- Book Leicester or Cardiff tickets if not already done
- Share convention photos on social media — follow @coshduk!
🏴 Leicester & Cardiff Con Prep Feb 22-23
Preparation for the late-February events:
- Leicester is single-day (Sunday) — perfect for first-timers!
- Cardiff is 2-day event — plan which day(s) to attend
- Recharge all devices and portable chargers
- Ensure costume is clean and repaired
- Final travel confirmation
🏆 Birmingham Comic Con Final Preparation Feb 28 - Mar 1
The grand finale of February conventions at NEC Birmingham:
- Book NEC parking if driving — fills up fast!
- Review Birmingham Comic Con guest list and book photo ops
- NEC is massive — study the floor plan carefully
- Plan which costume(s) to wear each day if attending both days
- Pack for 2-day event: multiple outfits, extra supplies
- Book nearby hotel for early access on day 2
🎉 Birmingham Comic Con — Convention Time!
Make the most of this major event:
- Arrive 45-60 minutes before opening for shorter queues
- NEC has multiple halls — prioritize what you want to see
- The venue has good food options but bringing snacks saves money
- Pace yourself — NEC is huge and requires lots of walking
- Take breaks in quieter areas when needed
- Have an amazing time and celebrate completing February's convention season!
🛒 Costume Still Needed?
Coshduk offers fast shipping (5-8 days) to the UK. Order early in the month to receive your costume with time to spare. Use code BG10 for 10% off all costumes!
🎒 Essential Convention Packing Checklist
Everything you need to bring for a comfortable and prepared Comic Con experience
📱 Tech & Tickets
- Printed tickets + digital backup Some venues require printed tickets
- Photo ID (driving licence/passport) Required for 18+ content areas
- Fully charged smartphone For schedule, maps, photos
- Portable power bank (10,000mAh+) Your phone will drain fast!
- Camera (optional) For higher quality cosplay photos
- Charging cables
💰 Money & Cards
- Cash (£50-100 recommended) Many small vendors are cash-only
- Debit/Credit cards For larger purchases, food courts
- Small change for tips/parking
- Budget list/spending limit Easy to overspend at conventions!
🧵 Cosplay Repair Kit
- Safety pins (various sizes) Essential for quick fixes
- Fashion/duct tape Clear and matching colors
- Mini sewing kit Needle, thread, scissors
- Super glue/hot glue sticks
- Bobby pins & hair ties
- Makeup touch-up essentials
- Spare buttons/clasps
🥤 Comfort & Survival
- Comfortable shoes/trainers You'll walk 10,000+ steps!
- Reusable water bottle Refill stations available
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts) Convention food is expensive
- Pain relief (paracetamol) Long days can cause headaches
- Plasters/blister cushions
- Deodorant/freshen up wipes Crowded venues get warm!
👕 Clothing Extras
- Comfortable change of clothes For after cosplaying or if costume fails
- Layers (hoodie/jacket) Venue temps vary widely
- Backup comfortable shoes If cosplay shoes hurt
- Weather-appropriate outerwear Check forecast for travel
📦 Bags & Storage
- Sturdy backpack/messenger bag For carrying essentials
- Foldable/expandable bag For merchandise purchases
- Poster tube (if buying prints) Protects art purchases
- Ziplock bags Keeps items organised/dry
🤝 Convention Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Understanding these social norms will help you have a better experience and make friends
Always Ask Before Photographing
Never take photos of cosplayers without permission. A simple "May I take your photo?" is appreciated. Wait for them to pose and thank them afterwards.
Don't Touch Costumes or Props
Cosplayers spend months creating their outfits. Never touch costumes, wigs, or props without explicit permission — even for photos.
Respect People's Time
If a cosplayer is walking purposefully, eating, or looks busy, don't stop them. They might be rushing to a meetup, panel, or competition.
"Cosplay Is Not Consent"
Revealing or attractive costumes are never an invitation for inappropriate comments, behaviour, or photography. Treat all attendees with respect.
Be Aware of Space
Large costumes need extra room. Don't cut in front of someone in an elaborate outfit. If you have wings or armour, be mindful of people around you.
Backpack Awareness
In crowded areas, carry your backpack in front or at your side. Turning around with a large bag can knock people or damage costumes.
Vendor Booth Courtesy
Don't block stalls while browsing. If you're not buying, move aside for others. Don't haggle aggressively — most prices are fixed.
Panel & Queue Behaviour
Don't save spots for large groups. Silence your phone during panels. Don't talk during Q&As unless asking a question. Be concise with questions.
⚔️ UK Convention Prop & Weapon Policies
All UK conventions have strict rules about what you can bring. Violations may result in confiscation or ejection
| Prop Type | Status | Rules & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Foam/Cardboard Swords & Weapons | ✓ ALLOWED | Must be obviously fake, no metal components, may require peace-bonding (zip tie securing) |
| Wooden Props | ⚠️ CONDITIONAL | Usually allowed if lightweight and clearly decorative. May be checked at security |
| Plastic Toy Guns | ⚠️ CONDITIONAL | Must have bright orange tips. Cannot be realistic-looking. No projectiles allowed |
| Bows & Arrows | ⚠️ CONDITIONAL | Arrows must have soft/foam tips or be permanently attached. Bows may not be functional |
| Real Metal Swords/Blades | ✗ NOT ALLOWED | Absolutely prohibited, even if blunted or decorative. Will be confiscated |
| Airsoft/BB Guns | ✗ NOT ALLOWED | Prohibited regardless of whether loaded. Illegal to carry in public |
| Realistic Replica Firearms | ✗ NOT ALLOWED | Even non-functional replicas that look real are banned |
| Poles/Staffs | ⚠️ CONDITIONAL | Maximum length varies by venue (usually 6ft). Must not obstruct walkways |
| Full Face Masks | ⚠️ CONDITIONAL | May need to be removed at security checkpoints. Some venues restrict during panels |
| LED Props | ✓ ALLOWED | Permitted but must not be excessively bright. Battery packs should be secure |
⚠️ Important: Peace-Bonding
Many UK conventions require "peace-bonding" of prop weapons — this means security will attach a zip tie or tag to show the prop has been checked. Don't remove these tags during the event. Visit the weapons check desk upon arrival if you have props.
💷 First-Timer Budget Planning Guide
Realistic cost breakdown to help you plan your Comic Con spending
| Expense Category | Budget Option | Standard Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convention Ticket (1 day) | £12-18 (small con) | £22-30 (standard entry) | £40-60 (VIP/early entry) |
| Cosplay Costume | £30-50 (basic) | £60-100 (quality) | £120-200+ (premium) |
| Travel (average) | £15-30 (local/coach) | £40-70 (train advance) | £80-150 (last-minute train) |
| Food & Drinks | £10-15 (bring snacks) | £20-30 (venue food) | £35-50 (restaurants nearby) |
| Merchandise | £20-40 | £50-100 | £150-300+ |
| Photo Ops (per guest) | — | £25-40 | £50-80 (A-list guests) |
| Autographs (per guest) | — | £20-35 | £40-75 (major stars) |
| Accommodation (if needed) | £40-60 (hostel/shared) | £80-120 (budget hotel) | £150-250 (central hotel) |
| TOTAL (Day Trip) | £90-150 | £200-350 | £450-800+ |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
1) Use discount code BG10 at Coshduk for 10% off costumes. 2) Book train tickets 2+ weeks in advance. 3) Bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle. 4) Set a merchandise budget and stick to it — use cash only to avoid overspending. 5) Compare prices between vendors before buying.
🌟 Essential Tips for First-Time Attendees
Insider knowledge to help you make the most of your first Comic Con experience
✅ Arrive Early
Get to the venue 30-60 minutes before doors open. This means:
- Shorter entry queues
- First pick at exclusive merchandise
- Better spots for popular panels
- Time to orientate yourself with the layout
⚠️ Pace Yourself
Comic Cons are exhausting! Smart strategies include:
- Take regular sitting breaks (every 1-2 hours)
- Don't try to see everything — prioritise
- Eat proper meals, not just snacks
- Stay hydrated (dehydration causes fatigue)
📱 Use Technology Wisely
Make your phone work for you:
- Download the convention app (if available)
- Screenshot the floor map for offline use
- Set alarms for must-see panels
- Turn on battery saver mode
- Use AirDrop/Nearby Share to share photos
🚨 Common First-Timer Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes
- Not bringing a portable charger
- Spending all money on day 1 of multi-day events
- Missing panels due to poor time management
- Not eating/drinking enough
🎭 Cosplay Confidence
New to cosplaying? Remember:
- Everyone was a beginner once
- Purchased costumes are just as valid as handmade
- You don't need to be "accurate" — have fun!
- The community is welcoming and supportive
- Simple cosplays can be just as impressive
🗺️ Navigation Tips
Find your way around efficiently:
- Study the floor plan before arriving
- Identify landmarks (main stage, food court, exits)
- Set meeting points with friends
- Know where first aid and toilets are located
- Use less crowded routes around perimeter
🛍️ How to Order Your Costume from Coshduk
Simple 5-step process with fast UK shipping available
Select Size
Choose standard size or provide custom measurements for perfect fit
→Add to Cart
Include any accessories, wigs, or props you need
→Apply BG10
Enter discount code BG10 at checkout for 10% off
→Fast Shipping
Select fast shipping (5-8 days) for quick UK delivery
🎉 Comic Con Ready? Get 10% Off Your Costume!
Order now with fast shipping to receive your costume in time for February conventions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from first-time Comic Con attendees
February 2026 features several major UK conventions: Oxford Comic Con (February 8-9), London Comic Con Winter at Olympia (February 15-16), Manchester Anime & Gaming Con (February 15-16), Leicester Comic Con (February 22), Cardiff Anime & Gaming Con (February 22-23), and Birmingham Comic Con at NEC (February 28 - March 1). Each offers unique experiences — London is the largest with celebrity guests, while smaller regional cons offer a more intimate atmosphere.
Absolutely! Many attendees (often 50-60%) wear casual clothes or simple fandom t-shirts. Comic conventions welcome everyone regardless of whether they cosplay. You can enjoy panels, meet celebrity guests, shop for merchandise, watch the cosplay competition, take photos of cosplayers, and soak in the atmosphere without dressing up yourself. There's zero pressure to cosplay — just come as you are and have fun!
Essential items include: printed tickets and photo ID, comfortable shoes (you'll walk thousands of steps), a portable phone charger (critical!), reusable water bottle, snacks, cash (£50-100) plus cards, convention schedule (screenshot or printed), and a foldable bag for merchandise. If cosplaying, add: repair kit (safety pins, tape, sewing kit), makeup touch-up items, comfortable change of clothes, and backup shoes. Don't forget pain relief and plasters for potential blisters!
UK conventions have specific prop policies: no real weapons, prop weapons must be peace-bonded (tagged by security), no projectile launchers, bladed props must have rounded/covered edges. Realistic-looking firearm replicas are prohibited. Costumes cannot obstruct walkways or fire exits, and masks may need to be removed at security checkpoints. Large wings or backpieces should be removable for crowded areas. Always check the specific venue's rules on their website before attending, as policies vary slightly.
Budget breakdown: Tickets £18-45, Travel £20-80 depending on distance, Food £15-30, Merchandise £50-150+ (easy to overspend!), Photo ops £25-60 each, Autographs £20-50 each. For a comfortable first-timer day trip, budget £150-250 total including modest merchandise spending. Tip: Bring cash in a set amount for merchandise to avoid overspending, and eat a good breakfast before arriving to reduce food costs.
Key etiquette rules: Always ask permission before photographing cosplayers ("May I take your photo?"). Never touch costumes or props without asking. Respect personal space, especially for cosplayers in elaborate outfits. Remember that "cosplay is not consent" — costumes are never an invitation for inappropriate behaviour. In queues, don't save spots for large groups. During panels, silence your phone and don't talk. Be patient, be friendly, and thank people for their time!
Sample Image Gallery
