Stage Events & Panels
The Main Stage is at the heart of Anime & Gaming Con, with something happening throughout the weekend. Expect live performances, competitions, quizzes, audience games, cosplay, guest appearances and some of the biggest crowd events of the convention. And this isn’t just a programme to sit and watch. Many of our Stage events are designed for you to get involved - whether you want to compete for prizes, show off a talent, join a ridiculous debate or simply get swept up in the audience.
Competitions, Games & Prizes
There are plenty of chances to get on stage and compete throughout the weekend, with cash, event vouchers and other prizes up for grabs. Regular favourites can include:
Big Geek Quiz
Get some friends together and test your knowledge across anime, gaming and general geek culture. The winning team can take home a £50 cash prize.
Lip Sync Battle
Pick a track, bring the performance and lip-sync your heart out in front of the Main Stage crowd. There’s a £30 Animeleague event voucher for the winner.
Talent Show
Sing, dance, perform or show us something completely different. Previous Talent Show winners have even gone on to become regular convention performers. The winner receives a £50 Animeleague event voucher.
Dub That Anime
Grab a partner and attempt to dub an anime clip live on stage. You’ll get the footage - what comes out of your mouth is entirely up to you. The funnier the better, with prizes up for grabs.
Anime Bingo
Bingo, but make it anime. Instead of waiting for numbers to be called, keep an eye out for familiar anime characters and titles.
Weebs Parliament
Take sides on the important issues facing humanity: Is My Hero Academia overrated? What actually counts as cosplay? Goku or Naruto? Xbox or PlayStation?
Expect opinions, arguments and absolutely no guarantee that anything will be settled by the end.
The exact Stage programme varies between events, so check the latest timetable to see what is running at your convention.
Cosplay Masquerade
Take to the Main Stage and show everyone what you’ve created. Our Cosplay Masquerade runs on both Saturday and Sunday, with a £100 winner prize each day, alongside additional prizes and recognition for cosplay craftsmanship and performance. You don’t need professional experience to enter, and bought costumes can still take part. Full judging, craftsmanship and prop requirements are covered separately in our Cosplay Rules and FAQ. Advance signup is strongly recommended, although limited on-the-day spaces may be available.
Guest Q&As & Appearances
Our special guests regularly take to the Stage for live Q&As, interviews, performances and other appearances.
It’s your chance to hear directly from voice actors, creators, performers and other featured guests - and, during Q&A sessions, you may even get the opportunity to ask them something yourself. Guest Stage appearances depend on the lineup for each event, so check the guest list and timetable for confirmed sessions.
Talks & Panels
Many Anime & Gaming Con events also feature a separate Talks & Panels area, giving you a chance to go a little deeper into the hobbies and communities behind the convention.
Sessions can include topics such as:
- The history and evolution of anime
- Japanese culture and common myths
- Cosplay skills and costume-building advice
- Art and creative workshops
- Voice acting and performance
- Gaming and fandom discussions
- Community debates and interactive sessions
Some panels are informative, some are practical and some are simply an excuse to get a room full of fans arguing about their favourite subject. The Talks & Panels area is not available at every city, so check the timetable for your event to see what is running.
Want to Take Part?
Most Stage competitions and audience events can be entered on the day at the Events Signup Desk near the Main Stage. Signups usually close around 30 minutes before the event begins, or earlier if all available places have been taken. For major events such as the Cosplay Masquerade and Talent Show, we strongly recommend signing up online in advance. On-the-day spaces may be available, but these can fill quickly. If you’re unsure whether an event needs a signup, just check the timetable or ask the Stage team.
Included With Your Ticket
Almost all of our Stage events, competitions and panels are included with your convention ticket. There’s no extra entry fee to compete in the Big Geek Quiz, Talent Show, Lip Sync Battle, Cosplay Masquerade or our other normal Stage competitions.
So if you fancy getting involved, sign up and give it a go.
The Big Geek Raffle is one of the few exceptions. Raffle tickets cost just £1, with a selection of prizes available to win. Tickets are normally available from the Animeleague Merchandise desk before the draw.
The Convention Keeps Going!
The Main Stage doesn’t necessarily stop when the daytime shopping and activity areas begin to close.
At many events it continues into the evening with karaoke, performances, music and parties - and at some conventions the programme can run as late as 1am. Evening entertainment is also included with your convention ticket rather than being sold as a separate after-party ticket. Check the timetable for the exact programme and finishing times at your event.
