Southampton Anime & Gaming Con 2026 – Our Family Review
Disclosure: We were invited to attend Southampton Anime & Gaming Con 2026. All opinions are our own.
Fancy a family day out that’s a little different from the usual attractions? We were invited along to Southampton Anime & Gaming Con 2026, held at the Novotel Southampton over the Halloween weekend, and it was a chance to explore a world of colourful costumes, gaming and Japanese pop culture.
Taking place on 31st October and 1st November 2026, the convention brought together anime enthusiasts, gamers, cosplayers and families, with plenty to see whether you’re a dedicated fan or completely new to this type of event.
Here’s a look at our visit, what you can expect from the convention and some useful tips if you’re thinking about attending a future event.
Our Visit to Southampton Anime & Gaming Con 2026
One of the first things that caught our attention was the cosplay. There were visitors dressed as all sorts of characters, with everything from elaborate handmade outfits to oversized character heads and colourful accessories.
We particularly enjoyed seeing the effort people had put into their costumes. Some were instantly recognisable, while others had us wondering which anime series or video game they came from!
There were plenty of opportunities to take photographs, and the different costumes made exploring the convention interesting in its own right.
Even if you’re not particularly familiar with anime, it’s fascinating to see the creativity that goes into some of these outfits.
What Is There to Do at Southampton Anime & Gaming Con?
The event offers more than just cosplay, with a mixture of gaming, entertainment, shopping and activities spread across the convention.
Cosplay and Character Costumes
Cosplay is a huge part of the convention experience, and it was certainly one of the highlights of our visit.
We spotted some brilliant outfits, including furry animal characters with oversized paws, impressive masks and unusual costumes that really stood out.
For anyone who enjoys dressing up, these events are a great excuse to wear your favourite character’s costume. There’s no requirement to dress up, though, so you can enjoy the atmosphere just as much in everyday clothes.
The convention also features cosplay competitions and opportunities for fans to meet others with similar interests.
Video Gaming and Tabletop Activities
Gaming fans have plenty to look forward to, with the event programme featuring video gaming, tournaments, retro games and tabletop activities.
Whether you prefer competitive gaming or something more relaxed, the convention is designed to cater for different interests and experience levels.
It’s particularly appealing for older children and teenagers who enjoy gaming, as it gives them an opportunity to explore their hobbies away from their usual screens at home.
Some activities run at scheduled times, so it’s worth checking the programme before attending.
Anime Merchandise, Artwork and Shopping
Another interesting part of the convention was browsing the merchandise stalls.
We came across colourful displays filled with anime artwork, gaming-themed prints, character accessories and collectible items.
There was artwork featuring characters from well-known anime and gaming franchises, alongside handmade items and smaller souvenirs.
One stall was advertising individual prints for £5 and framed prints for £10 during our visit, giving an idea of some of the more affordable souvenirs available.
Of course, prices vary between traders, and it’s easy to get carried away if you’re shopping with enthusiastic anime or gaming fans!
Stage Entertainment and Activities
Southampton Anime & Gaming Con also includes a programme of stage events and entertainment.
Depending on the timetable, visitors can expect activities such as karaoke, cosplay competitions, quizzes, talent shows, workshops and live performances.
There’s an opportunity to watch others taking part or, for those feeling confident, get involved themselves.
We’d recommend looking at the timetable beforehand, particularly if there’s a specific competition or performance you don’t want to miss.
Is Southampton Anime & Gaming Con Good for Families?
We think this is an event worth considering for families with children who already enjoy anime, gaming, cosplay or collecting character merchandise.
It’s especially well suited to older children and teenagers, although younger visitors who enjoy colourful characters and dressing up may also find plenty to look at.
One thing worth bearing in mind is that conventions can be busy, with music, entertainment and lots of people moving between different areas. Children who prefer quieter surroundings might appreciate taking regular breaks.
Some scheduled entertainment may also be aimed at older audiences, so parents should check the programme for age suitability.
There’s no need to be an expert in anime to visit, but having an interest in at least some of the activities will probably make the day more enjoyable.
How Much Were Tickets?
For the 2026 event, standard advance admission was advertised at the following prices:
- Saturday: £22 per person
- Sunday: £15 per person
- Full weekend: £30 per person
- Children under 8: Free entry
- Under 16s: Must attend with a paying adult
Standard admission started at 11:30am, while Early Bird tickets offered entry from 10am for an additional £6 per person.
These were the advertised prices for the 2026 convention. Future event prices, admission times and offers may change.
We’d recommend booking online in advance and checking the official website for the latest information.
Location, Parking and Facilities
Address: Novotel Southampton, 1 West Quay Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1RA.
The venue is conveniently located near Southampton city centre and Southampton Central railway station, making it accessible by public transport.
Paid parking is available at the hotel. We also noticed signage reminding drivers to register their vehicle when visiting, so make sure you check the parking instructions carefully when you arrive.
There are alternative car parks in the surrounding area if you would prefer to park elsewhere.
As an indoor venue, the Novotel is a useful option for events during the colder months, particularly when the weather is unpredictable.
Facilities include toilets, seating areas and food and drink options. The organiser also provides accessibility assistance for eligible visitors, although anyone with specific requirements should check arrangements before attending.
Our Tips for Visiting an Anime & Gaming Convention
- Check the timetable: Some competitions and performances take place at set times.
- Set a shopping budget: There are plenty of tempting merchandise stalls, particularly for collectors.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll probably spend a fair amount of time walking and standing.
- Bring your phone or camera: There are lots of interesting costumes and displays to photograph. Always ask permission before taking close-up photographs of cosplayers.
- Consider the quieter areas: Take a break if the busy convention atmosphere becomes overwhelming.
- Download the Animeleague app: It’s useful for event schedules, maps and updates.
Another useful feature is that visitors can normally leave and return to the convention on the same day, provided they keep their valid event wristband.
Would We Recommend Southampton Anime & Gaming Con?
If you’ve got children or teenagers who love anime, gaming or cosplay, Southampton Anime & Gaming Con is certainly an event to keep in mind.
For us, the costumes and character displays were particularly interesting, and there was plenty of colourful artwork and merchandise to browse.
It’s different from a traditional family attraction, with much of the appeal coming from the fans, their creativity and the shared enthusiasm for anime and gaming.
We’d say it’s best suited to families who have an interest in the subject rather than those simply looking for a general children’s activity.
With everything taking place indoors, it’s also worth considering for an autumn or winter day out in Hampshire.
For information about future conventions, dates and ticket availability, visit the official Southampton Anime & Gaming Con website.
Have you ever visited an anime or gaming convention? We’d love to hear about your experience and whether you’d recommend one for families!
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