Cosplayers flock to Portsmouth Anime and Gaming Convention

The Anime and Gaming Con, organised by AnimeLeague, was held at the Marriott Hotel in Southampton Road on Saturday and continues on Sunday.

People got the chance to cosplay as their favourite characters, while trying their hands at a variety of games and enjoying stage shows.

It’s the first time such an event has been held in the city, but if visitor enjoyment is anything to go by, it’ll certainly be making a return.

Rebekah Richer, 18, from Portsmouth, came to the event with her 46-year-old mum Jane.

The teenager got her mum into anime a couple of years ago, and both were cosplaying for the event.

Jane said: ‘I think it’s great – I’ve never cosplayed before and it’s nice to see lots of other people doing the same.

‘It’s a very relaxed environment here.

‘This is much calmer than other conventions we’ve been to.’

Rebekah, who had been shopping in the exhibition hall, added: ‘There’s lots of people having fun, and there’s something for everyone – whether you’re into gaming, cosplaying, or spending money like me.’

Luke Holman, 36 from Guildford, came to the event with his daughter Fae, 14, and two of her friends.

A keen gamer in his younger years, Luke said: ‘Its been really good for all of us.

‘I remember playing Mario Kart as a kid so this is a bit of a trip down memory lane for me.

‘My daughter was playing on the PlayStation Move, but I’ll get her on a Mega Drive before the end of the day.’

Meanwhile Jennifer Valiente, 46 from Bournemouth, was getting ready to watch her daughter, 15-year-old Zanj, take part in a lip-sync battle.

She said: ‘I think this convention has been lovely.

‘My daughter loves all this stuff – she’s also taking part in the masquerade later today.

‘She’s got me into anime a bit too, so I might even cosplay myself next time.’