For the first time ever, the pop culture phenomenon cosplay will make its debut at this year's Elders Lismore Show held in a specific PopZone area. People of all ages and creativity levels are welcome to join the fun!

Lismore's Claudia Phoenix has turned her interest into something more and is now a professional Cosplayer with the moniker Nix Cosplay. Claudia has won many awards for her efforts

“It is so exciting that cosplay is coming to Lismore. At 14, I saw Cosplay online and thought it was so cool! It is something Lismore has been lacking for so long - I had to travel to enjoy it, ” said Claudia

Claudia has been cosplaying for ten years and designs and tailors costumes for herself and others. She started learning online but then formalised her tailoring skills.

“I picked up and learned sewing and making skills on YouTube at first. Then I did a costume diploma and Wollongbar TAFE.

“It’s a beautiful hobby to get into because you get to express yourself in so many ways. There is the costuming and playing in character, as well as makeup, hair and wigs, styling and modelling - showing off your costume. It is great for creative expression.”

The coordinator of PopZone, Marny Bonner, saw cosplayers in action at Casino earlier this year, “I saw pop culture for the first time and loved it. There were whole families involved in what was a happy, healthy and inclusive atmosphere.”

Marny visited Comic Con in Gosford and could see the large-scale benefits of the creativity and inclusivity at the event. The dedication of the cosplayers taking on the personas of the characters really cemented the fun aspect of the pastime.

“An older man, about 70, dressed up as Yoda, looked incredible. He was eating a hotdog and, to stay in character, would quickly lift his mask, take a bite and lower it again!”

After researching the interest in the area, Marny was pleased to find that there was a lot of interest, but it has remained an undercurrent, as most cosplayers need to leave the area to follow their passion. 

Marny is thrilled to include it at the 2024 Lismore Show. She has already had interest from families and single people of all different ages. There are even those who want to get involved, but are a little shy to dress up, offering to volunteer for the event.

Whether your costume is bought, made or put together from op shop finds or a combination, the challenge is a good creative pursuit.  

“It allows for a simple way for people to connect, and it fuels friendly competition to admire and compare costumes to see how to approach things in a different way.”  

There are three categories, children (under 12), youth (13 to 17) and adult (18+) with a winner and highly commended in each category.

To be involved, you will need to register by September 13th. You won't have to have your costume ready until the night of the judging on October 17th,

All entrants will be invited to join the Friday night Community Parade in full costume and character for a free pass to the show that night! The PopZone competition will be held directly after the parade in the PopZone Pavillion.

If you would like to get involved, you can find out more and register here.

Check out Nix Cosplay for some great inspiration and ideas… or email her if you want a costume made.

Join the Facebook page for the latest ideas and news on PopZone…