The Cosplay Masquerade has become the main event at most anime conventions, sometimes to the point where it almost overshadows proceedings.  For some people it seems to be the main reason to go to a con, and cosplayers often work for weeks and even months on a costume or skit.

One thing we liked about Alcon was that the Masquerade didn't take over proceedings.  It was an important part of the con, but no more than any others.  This year's event benefited from a last-minute decision to switch it to the Quay Bar, which led to a more informal atmosphere and more room.  The layout of the Quay Bar made for an interesting venue, with two stairways from the upper floor converging to a single flight of stairs down to the centre of the ground floor.  This made a no-brainer route for the cosplayers, who came from the balcony and down the stairs before posing and going back the way they came.  With a bit more planning this could have gone perfectly, but with cosplayers going back up the stairs ended up getting in the way of those coming down.  This caused a long gap between cosplayers, but this is something that will no doubt be ironed out next year.  The cosplay itself was of an exceptional quality, as you have come to expect at UK anime events.  It seems to be that the bar is being raised all the time, with even first time cosplayers coming up with exceptional costumes.  Theme-wise Alcon's masquerade was somewhere between those of Amecon and the MCM Expo, including a number of costumes from popular series like Naruto, D.Gray-Man and Final Fantasy alongside some more unusual ones like Ivy from Soul Calibur and Alcon's mascot Al-Chan!
 

As people that have been to Cosplay Masquerades at other events that have gone on for a bum-numbing two hours plus, the Alcon Masquerade was quite refreshing.  The number of cosplayers taking part was about right, with enough to provide variety but not so many that you got bored.  It was good to see a decent mix of characters, and not just the usual glut of Final Fantasy cosplayers you get at most cons.  A few cosplayers acted out short little comedy skits, which were generally not bad, but the highlight was undoubtedly the Soul Calibur cosplay group who unexpectedly included Dr. Eggman (aka. Dr Robotnik) from Sonic the Hedgehog as a hidden character! 

There were still gripes - the lighting wasn't perfect for photos and it would have been better if some tables had been cleared beforehand for example - but considering the last minute switch of venue we thought it went pretty well.  The Quay Bar was a decent venue and the stairs meant that everyone could have a good view of each cosplayer as they descended, no matter where they were standing.  The quality of the costumes was excellent as always and we had quite a good time.  Next year the organisers will have the benefit of having used the bar once already and the niggles from this year will no doubt be ironed out.  We'll certainly be there next time to find out, but whilst Webmasters Tom & Rich are viewing from the front, our intrepid writer and resident cosplay-nut Ami-Chan will be behind the scenes!  Yep, Ami-Chan was taking part in the Masquerade this year and will probably be doing so again next time.  Here's her roundup of what being in the Masquerade was like this time round...

"For the Saturday of Alcon 2008, I was cosplaying as Al-chan: one of the convention's two sibling mascots!  It was pretty much a last minute decision to join the Masquerade.  However,

that is the beauty of Alcon as there is no need to sign up well in advance.  At ten past two I walked in late to the Masquerade practice.  I was welcomed by some "boos" but at least I wasn't the only one as several others walked in moments later after myself.

"The practice was simple and short, which I was grateful for as I was able to go to the other events and continue to have fun.  Soon though the plan had changed and the Masquerade was moved from the Lecture theatre to the Quay Bar.  This in my opinion was a better choice as there was enough room

for the entire convention to watch (if they chose to).  At 5pm we were asked to meet up at the top floor of the Quay Bar where we were given out new instructions.  Yet again though the instructions were relatively simple.

"Overall, I found the Masquerade an enjoyable experience.  As I was in the middle of the Masquerade I was unable to see everyone involved in the event.  However, my praise goes out to the Soul Calibur group who provided a great entertaining skit and brilliant outfits.  The only possible feedback I could give is that the Quay Bar's lighting situation was poor.  As this was the case many of the photos taken at the event I have found to be of low quality.  However, the committee may find this a difficult issue to resolve if they choose the same venue again to hold the Masquerade."

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