Teen Cosplayers Take Over Central Library 

In August we held our first ever teen cosplay event at Central library. The event was co-created with 15-year-old Amira. Amira contacted us via her school librarian when she was looking for a Cos Play event in Manchester aimed at teens, but wasn’t able to find anything aimed at under-18s only.

We decided to work together to create our own event with some very specific requirements:  

• For young people aged 12 – 18 with parents or guardians welcome.  

• Young people could decide if they wanted to have photos or not and this would be identified with wristbands.  

• Crafts. 

• Opportunities to connect with each other. 

• A guest speaker. 

• Stalls to buy items from.  

• It would also be a safe and inclusive space.  

After a few planning meetings with Amira to make sure the event met her expectations we decided on the 18th of August for the date.  

Around 60 people attended the event in the performance space with all the young people attending in their best cosplay costumes, many of which were handmade. We were really impressed with the time and creativity they had used to put their costumes together.  

As part of the event, we welcomed Julia C Walker , a local milliner, who has created hats, headpieces and costumes for film and TV including Peaky Blinders, Phantom Menace and Gladiator.  Julia who also teaches at the University of Salford gave an engaging talk about her career and answered questions on how to get into the world of costume making.  

As promised, we also had some stalls selling merchandise.  The stalls were arranged by our Build a Business team Build A Business – Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Manchester, who support emerging business in Manchester.  They invited local businesses to take part for free, and we had three amazing stall holders Wabi Sabi Stained Glass, Kittimeowmoch and MCC Candle. Find them all on Instagram .  We were also joined by the The Proud Trust – Home of LGBT+ Youth.

The Kandi bracelet making was a hit, as well as badge making, zine creating and even some watercolours and crochet – so much creativity in one room!

The finale of the day was the cosplay competition! With over 20 entries it was a tricky job for our judges Julia, Patrick and Sara. The winning costume was this amazing Foxy from Five Nights at Freddies, we also had 3 runners up with Present Mic from My Hero Academia, Applejack from My Little Pony, and Homura and Madoka from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.  

You can see all the entries and more photos from the day in the gallery below.  

We had some amazing feedback from the event, including:  

“It helps to know there are others that’s got the same interests and also just feels nice to have a chance to show off cosplays” 

“Everyone is very kind and open, and I found it fun cause people were expressing themselves” 

“It improves people’s confidence and lets people socialise with other people more and make more friends” 

“Peak, Awesome! We absolutely loved it and hope it will become an annual thing. A great place to meet like-minded people and have fun” 

Co-creating events like these highlight libraries’ commitment to champion children’s rights and supporting Manchester in being a Child Friendly City.

If you are interested in Teen Events take a look at Library Live for what’s on this year, including Teen Book Club on the third Saturday of each month, an upcoming comic book swap and chat on the 19th of September and a Home Educators Teen book club with the date to be confirmed.   You can find all the teen events here.