Leeds Anime & Gaming Con: Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s event

Music fans have Leeds Festival this year, and those of us who are of the confessed ‘geekdom’ have our own huge event taking place from today - Leeds Anime and Gaming Convention.

Taking place at the Leeds Marriott Hotel until Sunday (August 2), the always popular affair may be boosted even more this year due to the rise of Trading Card Gaming - sadly, to the detriment of the security of shops across the United Kingdom recently.

But now is not a time to ruminate on the bad side of the fandom and instead, a chance to celebrate the fantastic worlds created not only by celebrated manga authors, but ourselves through table-top gaming and cosplay.

Here's our guide to this year's event, and what the all-important 'Cosplay Is Not Consent' means for first-time visitors.

Your guide to Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026

What time do doors open for Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026?

Door entry times depend on the type of ticket you hold. Early Bird and VIP ticket holders get early access starting at 11am on Friday and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Standard ticket holders can enter from 12:30pm on Friday, or from 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday.

If you plan to buy your ticket at the venue, on-the-door sales open from 12pm, provided the event has not sold out.

Daytime areas like exhibitors and gaming zones run until 6pm, after which the main stage transitions into evening events and after-parties until late, typically wrapping up around 11pm.

Is Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026 accessibility friendly?

Yes, the convention is fully accessible, featuring step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout the venue. Visitors who struggle with long queues due to a medical condition or disability can request priority queueing from staff on arrival.

Carers can access half-price entry by emailing proof - such as a PIP/DLA letter, Blue Badge, or Access Card - ahead of the event, and trained assistance dogs are welcome across all areas. Plenty of seating is provided across the floor, while the low-noise Anime Theatre offers a quiet chill-out space when you need a break.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their own essential food, drink, or medication for medical reasons.

How do I get to Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026?

By train

Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to reach the venue.

Leeds Station is located just a five-minute walk from the Leeds Marriott Hotel. Upon exiting the station via the main exit onto New Station Street, head down the street and turn right onto Boar Lane.

Continue walking along Boar Lane for a short distance until you see Trevelyan Square on your right, where the hotel entrance is situated.

By bus

The venue’s central location makes it straightforward to access via local and regional bus routes. Numerous bus lines stop directly along Boar Lane or at nearby major central stops such as City Square, Leeds Station Interchange, and the Corn Exchange.

If you are arriving at Leeds City Bus Station (Dyer Street), the hotel is roughly a ten-minute walk away, heading west along Kirkgate and Duncan Street onto Boar Lane.

By car (including parking)

If you are driving into the city centre, follow the signs toward Leeds City Centre and pick up the city loop system. From the M1 or M62, join the M621 and take Junction 3, following the signs for the city centre.

Navigation devices should be set to the venue postcode, LS1 6ET.

While the hotel does not offer free parking on site, off-site parking is available nearby at Trinity Leeds Car Park, where hotel guests can validate tickets for discounted rates. Other options within short walking distance include the NCP on Boar Lane and nearby Q-Park facilities.

What events and activities are on offer this year?

The main stage serves as the central hub for headline entertainment, hosting popular competitions like the Cosplay Masquerade, Talent Show, Lip Sync Battles, and Dub That Anime, alongside interactive games such as Anime Bingo and the Big Geek Quiz.

Gamers can dive into drop-in free play and daily tournaments for titles like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, while tabletop fans can explore a massive board game library or join Trading Card Game tournaments for Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, and Pokémon.

For those looking to learn something new, a dedicated Talks and Panels room hosts sessions covering cosplay build tips, voice acting, and Japanese culture, while the low-noise Anime Theatre offers continuous anime screenings throughout the weekend.

Are there any special guests attending Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026?

This year’s event features an exciting lineup of voice actors, live musical acts, and prominent content creators. Voice actors Zee Andrews (My Pride, New World, Forgotlings) and Izzy Valkyrie (Pressure, Genshin Impact Hoyofair) headline the guest roster, taking part in live stage Q&A sessions and meeting fans across the weekend.

The main stage will also showcase live performances from Harajuku cyber-pop idol LELE, London-based J-pop singer Emma (笑愛), Dragon Ball Z-inspired rapper Longlivpablo, and SYNTHONIE, who brings cyberpunk live sets and interactive VR music workshops to the floor.

Rounding out the entertainment are interactive video game concert group Extra Lives, DJ Manimal, a beginner-friendly K-pop Dance Workshop, and featured cosplayers and digital creators including Charlottemorrisxo_, CrypticRiderTV, DaMintyPenguin, Lajla_, and Stonakah.

What should I bring with me to Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026?

A smooth convention experience comes down to a well-packed bag. First and foremost, make sure you have your digital ticket downloaded on your phone, or bring a valid photo ID (such as a passport, driving licence, or PASS card) so the registration team can look up your booking at the door. Bringing ID is also essential if you plan to stay for the 18+ after-party events in the evening.

It is a good idea to bring a mixture of cash and card, as internet connection inside busy venues can occasionally cause card reader delays, and smaller vendor stalls may prefer cash payments.

If you are cosplaying, packing a small repair kit with items like safety pins, superglue, and double-sided tape can save the day if a costume piece breaks. A portable phone power bank will keep your device charged for taking photos and checking the event schedule on the app throughout the day.

Staying hydrated and energized is key, so bring a refillable water bottle and a few quick snacks to keep you going between stage events and tournament sign-ups. If you are purchasing prints, artist artwork, or official merchandise, carrying a sturdy tote bag or backpack will help keep your purchases safe and undamaged while you explore the venue.

What items are prohibited from being brought this year?

For safety and venue compliance, certain items are strictly banned from the convention floor.

Real weapons of any kind - including steel blades, knives, blunt weapons, and realistic imitation firearms - are completely prohibited, as are metal replica weapons, sharp-tipped items, pyrotechnics, and any props capable of firing projectiles.

To prevent injuries and blocked pathways in high-traffic corridors, props made from heavy or rigid materials such as solid wood, metal, glass, ceramics, concrete, or dense solid resin casts are not allowed.

Large or awkward props exceeding roughly 1.6 meters in size will also be turned away at prop check, though unsafe or oversized items may be safely stored at the info desk or temporarily checked out for scheduled cosplay masquerade stage appearances.

Illegal drugs, unauthorised alcohol, and unapproved commercial flyers or merchandise for sale without prior permission are strictly forbidden.

If you are bringing medication or specific diet-related food for medical reasons, those are permitted, but general outside catering may be limited by venue rules.

What does "Cosplay Is Not Consent" mean?

"Cosplay Is Not Consent" is a safety policy ensuring everyone can enjoy the convention without harassment.

Wearing a costume - no matter how detailed or revealing - is never an open invitation for physical contact, uninvited flirtation, or photography without permission.

Attendees must always ask for permission before touching a cosplayer, handling props, or taking close-up photos.

Staff enforce a zero-tolerance policy for non-consensual touching or harassment, with violations leading to immediate removal or a permanent ban.

Are tickets still available for Leeds Anime and Gaming Con 2026?

Yes, tickets remain available online across all main tiers. Attendees can purchase full weekend three-day passes as well as individual single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

For each day, ticket options include Standard Entry, Early Bird Entry (which offers earlier access to the floor alongside bonus raffle tickets), and VIP passes (which include Early Bird access, additional raffle tickets, a commemorative con badge, an official lanyard, and an event tote bag).

On-the-door tickets will also be sold at the venue entrance starting from 12:00 pm each day, provided the event has not reached full venue capacity. To guarantee entry, organizers recommend booking online in advance through the official convention website or Eventbrite.

Who is the stronger anime character: Naruto or Yugi Muto?

We cannot in good conscience answer that question - it is far too dangerous a debate to settle here!

But it is definitely one to ask the panellists, guests, and fellow fans during Weebs Parliament at this year’s convention. Have fun!