HotaruCon 2026 Event Descriptions are now available! Click the title to find out more details for any event, or view the full schedule.
18…? Mad Libs
Sunday 21:30 - 22:30 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: After our virgin flight (pun unintended?) at HaruhiCon, we return at HotaruCon for more mad libs! The 18+ is entirely up to you as I’ll be asking for prompts and you’ll be giving me words to ruin your favourite franchises with! I accept no responsibility for the ruining of any childhoods.
A Beginners Guide to Empire Larp
Sunday 12:15 - 13:15 Presenter: Dr ProsperoDescription: A look at Anvil, and the world of Empire Larp, a UK-based Larp System near Cambridge
A H**tai Panel About Balls
Friday 23:45 - 00:45 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: This is a h**tai panel about balls.
A Quiz-Based Recollection of One Piece
Friday 17:15 - 18:45 Presenter: lester d squareDescription: After two years of vaguely recollecting One Piece to congoers, its time for the tables to turn! Join me for a quiz that'll test your cultural osmosis powers for the powerhouse of Shounen manga - and maybe learn what makes fans so dedicated to the nonsense of One Piece along the way! The less you already know, the better... maybe?!
Ask England Anything!
Sunday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: ThefairymouseDescription: This is a fun Q&A based panel based on the Ask-a-Nation Hetalia panels from back in the day. Come along and watch as we ask the country of England anything! There will be some questions from fans and audience participation too.
Balls Balls Balls; the sports themed spicy furry panel
Sunday 23:00 - 00:00 Presenter: RubiconDescription: Rubicon and Jack Shuck are back again to torment you with the wonders of the spicy furry world! It's going to be big, it's going to be bouncy, and it might get just a little bit sticky... make sure you bring your slicker brushes, especially if you're in the front row!
Basics of Pattern Making - a step by step guide to drafting your own sewing patterns
Friday 11:45 - 12:45 Presenter: PerlenprinzDescription: You've worked with commercial patterns, traced a T-shirt, but none of it really worked for your cosplay? Don't worry - pattern drafting isn't witchcraft! In this workshop I will show you how to take your measurements, translate these into a custom pattern, and troubleshoot fit issues.
Beyond D&D: Weird, Wonderful and Very Gay Indie Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Saturday 14:45 - 16:15 Presenter: finleyjinleyDescription: Discover your new favourite tabletop roleplaying game as we explore different genres, stories and play styles that stand apart from D&D.
Brainiac: Cosplay Abuse
Saturday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: Team TrashpandaDescription: Welcome to Brainiac: Cosplay Abuse, the show that is brought together with the power of hot glue and glitter. With 2 cosplayers, 20 years worth of craft supplies and a budget of 'whatever we can afford', we are gonna hopefully answer some of the craft's great mysteries. Maybe we will get into what's the best fabric glue or experience the power of Neodymium magnets? Pop in and find out!
Broken, Buggy and Bloody Brill - A Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines Retrospective
Friday 16:45 - 17:45 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Let's take a look back at the heady days of 2004 and to one of the best PC Roleplaying Games ever made. Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines is remembered fondly more than 2 decades after its release, but why? And more importantly, how?
Cancelled Games and Lost Builds: What Resident Evil could've been
Saturday 21:00 - 22:00 Presenter: Seth SuffersDescription: The Resident Evil franchise has been around for 30 years and within that time many ideas have been thrown around for directions the franchise could've gone in. Let's explore what didn't make it into the franchise through this informative yet silly panel!
Chess Rehearsal
Sunday 10:00 - 12:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: For Cosplay Chess Participants and Helpers: Mandatory Rehearsal. It is advised you arrive as close to ready as is feasible for your cosplay. Pre-registration is required for Cosplay Chess. Audience will be sat after the rehearsal.
Closing Ceremony
Sunday 17:30 - 19:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Whilst HotaruCon won’t be entirely over, this is our formal way of closing out the weekend on Sunday afternoon where we hold our charity auction, announce the winners of our competitions (or let you decide), total what we raised for the Con Charity and wrap up any loose ends.
Comic and Manga Library
Friday 13:30 - 15:30 then all weekend Presenter: HotaruCon & Sun KittenDescription: Swing by the Activity Room at HotaruCon to relax and unwind! Browse a variety of comics and manga including indie gems (kindly loaned by Morag), or join in on drawing sessions and casual play. Feel free to drop in anytime—just keep an eye out for scheduled activities, as they may fill up quickly!
Con Etiquette 101
Friday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: Chaos, MFcosplays1Description: Tips and tricks to know about cons and how to make sure you and everyone else are comfortable and safe.
Cosplay Ball
Sunday 20:30 - 22:00 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Time to get fancy! Dance away in your spectacular cosplays and fancy clothes - no strict dress code: just have fun. There will be live musical acts to get you ballroom dancing across the floor.
Cosplay Blind Date - It Takes Two
Friday 18:15 - 19:45 Presenter: Lord MikkDescription: We're back at it for a second year, with probably more innuendo and hilarity for all. Test out your charisma skill to woo our cosplay guest. If you're lucky, you may even get a prize (not a real dating game!)
Cosplay Cafe
Sunday 14:30 - 16:30 Presenter: HotaruCon MaidsDescription: Fancy a break amongst the hustle and bustle of HotaruCon for some coffee and cake? Purchase tokens and be served by our themed cafe team, with all profits going to this year’s convention charity.
Cosplay Chess Rehearsal
Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 Presenter: CereselDescription: For Cosplay Chess Participants ONLY, this is a space for you to practice! Hosts will be available with some general tips e.g. using a microphone with your skit. Attendance is NOT mandatory but it doesn't replace the full board rehearsal on Sunday. If you have any kinks to work out or simply would like to rehearse your skits, this space is for you!
Cosplay Chess
Sunday 12:00 - 13:30 Presenter: CereselDescription: Come one, come all, to this epic Chess-themed showdown. Using other attendees as their pieces, making them battle - be it a fight, a dance off, or a duel. So come and watch this fun, dynamic mish-mash of characters, from all the series being cosplayed across the Con, battling it out for victory!
Crisp Tasting
Saturday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: EmDescription: A take on the classic 'wine tasting' format - only with various crisps from different countries! note: cannot guarantee allergen free
Crochet Crafting
Sunday 16:00 - 18:00 Presenter: FrogItJammyDescription: Come learn all the basic stitches needed to start crocheting. Everyone from complete beginners to expert crocheters are welcome to come along for some chill crafting. All the yarn and hooks will be provided.
Cursed Storytime (My Immortal)
Friday 19:45 - 20:45 Presenter: JealousyBalletDescription: Are you sitting comfortably? Grab a hot cocoa or something stronger (I think you'll need it) for cursed storytime. Once upon a time the worst fanfiction ever was uploaded - My Immortal. Follow along with Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way, a 7th year Hogwarts student who wanders around having sex with HP emo clones and then describes her outfit for several paragraphs. So it's time to sit back for a live reading of the iconic My Immortal fanfic (with a chance to read for your favourite characters!)
Detroit Metal Quizzie: The Anisong Trivia Quiz!
Saturday 15:15 - 16:45 Presenter: lester d squareDescription: Do you know your Kajiura Yukis from your Oshima Michirus? Your Love Lives from your Idolm@sters? Then this is the anime music trivia quiz for you! Back for a third year, see if you can best my tricksy questions and beat Name That Tune (Savage)!
Disney Sidekick Death Battle
Saturday 11:15 - 12:45 Presenter: Aloe BobcatDescription: Disney sidekicks are loveable helpers to the main characters, but which of them is best equipped to survive to the end against all the rest? Come join us as we set them against each other to determine one and for all who is the mightiest sidekick of them all.
DJ Team Briefing
Friday 17:30 - 18:00 Presenter: The RaggedymanDescription: A briefing for all members of the Hotarucon 5 DJ Team.
Do YOU want to be a Harbinger’s Apprentice?
Saturday 17:30 - 18:30 Presenter: starsparkle.cos, whats_up_faygoDescription: Do YOU have what it takes to be the Fatui Harbinger's next exploited goon? ...ahem, I mean, valued colleague? Join us for an hour of 'The Apprentice' inspired challenges, trivia and fun to determine which lucky contestant shall come out on top!
Escape Rooms: Where common sense goes to die
Saturday 22:15 - 23:45 Presenter: NeonBatzDescription: Ever wondered what your host sees when you’re trying to figure out how to escape? Come along to hear about the experiences from a host ^^
EuroQuizney
Sunday 19:45 - 21:15 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: Look, a Disney quiz! A quiz about Disney! Test your Disney knowledge and win fabulous Disney prizes!
Everybody 1-2-Switch! Tournament
Friday 21:00 - 22:30 Presenter: OntheRedpathDescription: It's time to partake in competitive horsing around, as two teams battle it out in a 60-minute game of the Nintendo Switch party game Everybody 1-2-Switch!
FireFly Lounge
Saturday 18:45 - 20:15 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Pull up your chair and join us for an hour that promises to be entertaining as your fellow attendees dazzle you with their talents on the HotaruCon main stage. Sure to astound and delight.
FireFly Lounge Green Room
Saturday 18:30 - 20:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory for all Firefly Lounge performers. Welcome to the Firefly Lounge Green Room. Enjoy a secure area to store your belongings while you relax with water and snacks, and prepare for your performance!
From BR to JR: A railway history of two nations
Sunday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: HimekoLilia, LulukoDescription: One thing that links the UK and Japan is a rich railway history. Luluko and Lilia will take you through the story of the creation of the extensive network of both countries from the initial experiments with steam locomotives in the UK to the high-speed Shinkansen of Japan, including the similarities and differences between the systems of both nations.
Getting Into Nippon Professional Baseball
Friday 14:15 - 15:15 Presenter: bonniecanuckDescription: Why did America's pastime become Japan's favourite sport? Who is this Shohei Ohtani guy in Fortnite? What is the Belluna Dome actually for? All this and more as the world's fakest baseball fan leads a journey into the history and culture of Japan's most popular professional sports league, and the players who put Japan on the sport's map.
Gnosticism: What is it and why does it keep showing up?
Saturday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: SkyblazeDescription: Xenoblade, Shin Megami Tensei, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Critics have often noted Gnostic themes in these works. But what *is* Gnosticism? Where does it come from, what are its central tenets? And most importantly, why does it keep showing up in anime and games?
GO SPORTS 2! (Quiz)
Saturday 11:45 - 13:15 Presenter: Senpai2Description: More boys. More sports. The quiz centred around sports anime with male protagonists is back! Multiple choice questions - come for the vibes or to test your knowledge. Let's Go!
Gundam: The One Year W**(Crimes)
Saturday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Do you love Gundam? Do you love when people break the Geneva Convention? Wait- No, hold on, come back. We're looking back at Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 through to ZZ and breaking down all those wacky war crimes that happened along the way.
Historical Costuming in Cosplay
Sunday 11:45 - 12:45 Presenter: OtekCosplayDescription: A guide to incorporating real historical clothing into your cosplay! Dos and don'ts of historical costuming, where to find what you're looking for, and how to research your period.
History Maker: Looking Back at Yuri!!! on Ice
Friday 15:30 - 16:30 Presenter: Senpai2, SenpaiDescription: Learn about the history, impact and legacy of award-winning sports anime series Yuri!!! On Ice. Who made it? How well does it depict real life figure skating - and why is this series so beloved by fans around the world?
Hotaru Game Night
Friday 19:15 - 21:15 Presenter: Team TrashPandaDescription: It's Gamier! It's Nightier! It's Hotaru...ier! The silliest 2 hours of the convention is here, where you and your friends will draw, joke, present, and lie through your teeth to win at some beautifully twisted games in the Jackbox Party Pack family!
Hotarucon Charity Bingo - The Most Competitve Of Sports!
Friday 14:45 - 16:15 Presenter: King DiceDescription: Still no bingo anime we can rip off so we just go for the most competitive sport that happens at Hotarucon for the last few years, bingo! (Seriously have you been to a bingo hall? Those old dears can be vicious!) As always, pay a pound - be amused at our bingo calls, and wins semi decent not bad prizes from the Table of Tat!
Hotarucon Day At The Races! (feat. Umamusume)
Friday 20:00 - 21:30 Presenter: K-tanDescription: Among the celebrations of sporting anime champions this Hotarucon, take a chance to cheer on the strongest stallions & mares of hit game Umamusume with the exciting race programme and prizes on offer at this premium horsegirl event! Team up (and even dress for the occasion!) to bet* across 5 races, in the hopes your best horse(s) can bring the winnings home.
*No real money bets, but plenty at stake!
HotaruCon Feedback Panel
Sunday 12:30 - 13:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Got something you want to let the committee know about how HotaruCon went? Come to the feedback panel and let us know. We welcome all feedback with a view of making HotaruCon the best we can for all of you.
Hotarucon FM Hall of Fame
Friday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: DigimaestroDescription: From playing Beethovens Moonlight Sonata in the Spencer Mansion to the fun filled performances of the S-Orchestra, many of our favourite series and games show love to classical music. Join Digi on a journey where we look at examples of how this music is effective from awesome performance moments to the safety you can feel when you hear Clair de Lune coming from nearby.
Hotarucon Lip Sync Battle!
Saturday 20:00 - 21:30 Presenter: Team TrashpandaDescription: After the demand from last year you know this is going to happen again! Select your favorite songs, get dancing and have fun! If its on YouTube anything goes!
How to get into Mecha Anime
Friday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: LucyDescription: A Brief History of Mecha anime and how to get in to watching it.
Interview with the Heel: Building a pro wrestling character
Sunday 19:45 - 20:45 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Are you looking for a way to build up a character from the ground up for your next roleplay game, story or project? Have you considered the wild world of professional wrestling for inspiration? Kyrie's here to help you sort through the noise and find your new persona.
Just Dance Freeplay
Friday 20:30 - 22:00 Presenter: MonsterhaulDescription: Come and play some Just Dance! Whether you're a Rasputin or a Call Me Maybe kind of person, we've got every possible song on the Nintendo Switch version!
Karaoke
Friday 21:30 - 00:30 / Saturday 21:00 - 00:30 / Sunday 19:00 - 21:30 Presenter: Karaoke TeamDescription: Description: Running across all 3 evenings, join our karaoke hosts calaldees and Shish for karaoke featuring songs from anime, videogames, movies and more. Use the KareKare webapp to reserve your song in the queue, then rock out with your friends!
Kristylae's Video Game Quiz 3 Estates
Friday 19:00 - 20:30 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Come test your knowledge on the digital games we all know and love. Ranging from the old retro classics of the NES to the modern greats, your host Kristylae have questions for all. Compete as teams to win fun and delicious prizes.
KyoAni Quiz
Sunday 14:15 - 15:45 Presenter: Luluko and HimekoLiliaDescription: Are you a fan of Kyoto Animation's anime like Lucky Star or K-On? Then come down for fun quiz featuring general knowledge, music and a few surprises. Prizes to be won.
Let's Go Hotaru, Let's Go!
Friday 11:00 - 12:30 Presenter: Nat - Cosplay ChoreoDescription: Grab some pom poms and get into the spirit of the sports theme by joining me for some cheerleading dance shenanigans! Anyone is welcome, just bring some sass and hydration.
Let's Solve The Five Nights at Freddy's Lore Together
Sunday 14:15 - 15:45 Presenter: Hershel, AxeciliesDescription: We don't need MatPat to figure it out for us. Come, and be part of a gathering of great minds - if we all work together, surely we can solve the lore this time!
Lorcana Lore: The story in the cards
Friday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: SoraDescription: Be our guest to a whole new world of stories! This panel intends to cover the plots within the Disney Lorcana trading card game, covering the major arcs and even some of the minor ones that have been told so far in the card artwork, lore cards, animated trailers, and more. Who stole Triton's trident? What is the Hexwell crown? Why did Ursula betray Ursula (Yes, Lorcana has variants)? Find out the answers to these questions and a whole lot more.
Masquerade
Saturday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: A convention staple, it’s the MASQUERADE! Cosplayers take to the stage showing off their costumes; all levels and styles are welcomed and enjoyed! Come show your support, grab awesome photo opportunities and see some amazing characters brought to life.
Masquerade Green Room
Saturday 16:30 - 18:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory for all masqueraders! Join us in the Masquerade Green Room where you can securely store your bags while enjoying complimentary water and snacks. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize with fellow participants, and prepare for your moment in the spotlight before the main event!
Masquerade Rehearsal/Firefly Tech Check
Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Mandatory rehearsals for both the Masquerade and the Firefly Lounge. This will run through from the Masquerade and into the Firefly Lounge so if you are only participating in one or the other you do not need to remain for the entire rehearsal. Please arrive for the briefing and health & safety talk at the start, and after this you’ll be given a timing scale for how each rehearsal section will run.
My lawyers bring all the weebs to the con.
Saturday 18:45 - 19:45 Presenter: DigimaestroDescription: The Ace Attorney series loves a good pop culture reference. Whether it being Dahlias Milkshake or Phoenix's Lawyer camp shenanigans let's have a look at the funniest shout-outs to our favourite (and not so favourite) media!
Name That Tune
Friday 13:00 - 14:30 Presenter: RobotjellyfishDescription: Compete in teams to name the most anime tunes and get the highest score.
Niji no ressha - All the lines of the rainbow
Saturday 13:15 - 14:15 Presenter: ミケRailDescription: ミケRail takes you through all the train lines of the rainbow. Exploring each colour with your resident train themed idol. Learn something new about the trains and train lines of Japan while also enjoying an idol performance! All aboard the rainbow express ~
Nioh 2: Masocore Adventures in Feudal Japan
Saturday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Fighting demons is a beloved gaming pass time. But have you ever wanted to feel like a badass samurai while doing so? If so then Nioh 2 Is here for all your needs. Come down for an hour of demon killing fun as you learn all about the best Samurai game ever made.
Nostalgic World of 3D Platformers
Friday 15:30 - 16:30 Presenter:Description: From Spyro the Dragon to Banjo Kazooie. Come relive the heydays of classic 90's platformer games, trailers, and many more.
Nu:Carnival 201
Saturday 19:45 - 20:45 Presenter: Senpai2, SenpaiDescription: Return to the Klein Continent as we revisit the 18+ Boys Love mobile gacha game Nu:Carnival in its 4th year. Meet the characters, parse the sometimes baffling lore and prepare for even more in-game currencies! Follow up to Nu:Carnival 101, this is a fun and informative panel aimed at both new and established players. We will be giving an overview of the game world, characters and mechanics as well as gaming tips, “behind the scenes”, fan content (and some of our own opinions.) [Warnings: Explicit scenarios mentioned but images censored. Contains Mild Spoilers!]
On your Marks, Get Set, Cosplay!
Saturday 14:00 - 15:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: Words pulled from a hat create your prompt...random items (some may call it junk) are your materials. From there you have a time limit to use the items provided and your own imagination, and a member of your team as a model to create your cosplay. The loudest cheer at the closing ceremony wins!
On your Marks, Get Set, Draw!
Sunday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: A list of words...random words...pulled from a hat to create your prompt, from there you have a time limit to draw your own creation using these prompt words and the HotaruCon mascots to inspire your creation. Paper and pencils will be available but feel free to bring your own materials. The loudest cheer at the Closing Ceremony wins!
Opening Ceremony
Friday 16:30 - 17:30 Presenter: HotaruConDescription: The official opening of HotaruCon. Come meet the committee and hear about some of the amazing things we have planned for the weekend along with important announcements you won’t want to miss.
Play With Your Balls
Sunday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: Team TrashPandaDescription: Hotarucon opens its doors to the most prestigious of all sports: marble racing. The better you do in the quizzes, the better your chances of winning, and capturing the glory in Ballhalla.
Press Start To Quiz
Sunday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: Cerise_QueenDescription: Press Start To Quiz is back at HotaruCon! You all enjoyed Watch Mojo's top 25 video game characters ;) so Im bringing it back for HotaruCon filled with more fun, trivia and top rated video game characters for the quiz.
Radio Taisou: Japanese Radio Calisthenics!
Friday/Saturday/Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 Presenter: melikkumaDescription: 1, 2, 3! Let's stretch, warm up and limber up after all that con crunch over the sewing machine, and before we enjoy the parties. This is a short, all-abilities class with gentle exercises set to the classic NHK piano music. Enjoy Radio Taisou!
Resident Evil: Before the Evil
Friday 16:45 - 18:15 Presenter: Deadweight_CosplayDescription: Resident Evil is one of the most iconic horror franchises in the world, but how did it come to be? Come and find out how Team Horror created one of the most iconic horror IPs, as we follow the events leading up to the creation and release of the first Resident Evil game.
Robot Wars: The Good, The Bad, And The Flammable
Friday 11:45 - 12:45 Presenter: Team TrashPandaDescription: Since 1998, mankind has had one goal: to build robots out of crap they've found around their backyard and smash up other robots on TV for our sick amusement. Join us as we go through the dazzling highs, crushing lows, and yes, even those creamy middles, of the world of Robot Wars, and work out what the bloody hell Craig Charles was on about with the 'style, control, damage and aggression' thing.
Scooby-Doo Villains: Smash or Pass
Sunday 00:00 - 01:00 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: I did Transformers last year, so let’s do Scooby-Doo villains this year. Come (pun unintended) cast your vote on which monsters are smashable, and which are passable.
Shoe Making 2.0 with a Side of Boots
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 Presenter: CCDescription: Going through the basics of shoe making progressing into making boots and what's involved.
Shuppatsu Shinkou! An Introduction to the Railways of Japan
Sunday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: bonniecanuckDescription: Why are a baseball team, an all-women theatre troupe, and the company behind Godzilla owned by a railway company? This question and many others will be answered in this panel, as we delve into the history and culture of Japan's complex railway network, and explore the various sides of its international renown.
So You Want To Actually Roleplay
Saturday 11:00 - 12:00 Presenter: KyrieDescription: You've thought about the game you'll play, the adventure you'll take your party on and the villain that they'll face, but how exactly does one roleplay in a TTRPG? Kyrie brings 2 and a half decades of Tabletop gaming, acting and general chaos to help you find your voice and bring a character to life.
So You Want To Be A Himejoshi? - A Beginner’s Guide to Yuri
Friday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: Maybe you are new to the world of Girls’ Love and wondering where to start? Or maybe you’re a seasoned yurijin wishing to see your opinions maybe validated? Well here are my personal recommendations for beginner friendly yuri series, and maybe a few curve balls.
So You Want To Get Into Miniatures
Sunday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Little Plastic Wizards and Space Marines, they're everywhere these days. Do you want to learn about a handful of game systems you could learn to play? Or if you just want to get painting, learn some good starting points for that too!
So your fave creative let you down. What now?
Sunday 18:30 - 19:30 Presenter: SixyDescription: We've all been there - a fan of works by a fallen idol. How do we reconcile our love of the work with our own moral compass, and what can we do to move on?
Sometimes I can still hear Fandom's Voice
Friday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: SixyDescription: Fandom isn't what it used to be! Fandom is dying! Fandom is dead! Is it really? Let's turn over some stones and see what crawls out!
Son Of Psychotronic Japan
Saturday 12:15 - 13:15 Presenter: The RaggedymanDescription: Step into the wild world of Japanese psychotronic cinema, where subversion and audacity are the norm, boundaries are for shattering, and budgets are for cowards. Experience a whirlwind tour through movies too radical, too avant, and too ridiculous for the mainstream, curated by The Raggedyman and presented for your viewing consideration.
Thai BL Dramas: A Beginners Guide
Saturday 21:45 - 23:15 Presenter: FrogHatManDescription: Fancy learning about the infamous BL drama, guessing couples and playing unhinged games related to Thai media? If you do this panel is for you, come and see the cute mascots and interesting plot lines that can be found! Come along and have some fun, newbies and fans alike :D
The Angry Video Game Nerd reviews s****y games (AVGN tribute)
Sunday 11:45 - 12:45 Presenter: Keeper of the CosplaysDescription: Based on the popular video game reviewer on YouTube, the Nerd portrayed by Keeper of the Cosplays reviews a bunch of terrible games. WARNING: The Nerd will be loud and swearing like a sailor.
The Best Gacha Game You've (Probably) Never Played
Saturday 13:00 - 14:00 Presenter: AliceiraDescription: Have you been tired of your usual gacha experience? Would you like a story-heavy gacha exploring mature sociopolitical themes and some very pretty (and definitely not gay to comply with censorship laws) women that appeal to the female gaze? Then come by and get a crash course on Path to Nowhere!
The Bizzare World of Video Game Marketing Stunts: The Squeakquel
Sunday 14:45 - 15:45 Presenter: AliceiraDescription: Have you ever been curious about the bizzare and unorthodox methods game publishers have introduced to the world in an attempt to promote their games? Well there are still a whole lot more of them to go. And they're still just as ridiculous as ever.
The Entire Timeline of Danganronpa
Sunday 21:00 - 22:30 Presenter: AlittlebitalexiaDescription: Come and here a presentation explaining the in-depth lore of the game franchise Danganronpa in chronological order.
The Simple & Clean Plot of Kingdom Hearts
Saturday 11:45 - 13:00 Presenter: SagaOfCosplayDescription: The Nintendo Direct dropped a Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer and I realised I'm not sure I remember what happened in the first 14 Kingdom Hearts games. Does anyone remember, or is it like a scattered dream that's like a far-off memory?
I'm going to illuminate the darkness and remind you all what happened in Kingdom Hearts so far, so you don't have to panic and play the games in one go before Kingdom Hearts 4 drops.
The Three Minutes Presentation Challenge!
Saturday 14:30 - 16:00 Presenter: The RaggedymanDescription: Are you ready for ten three-minute lectures from enthusiastic luminaries in an eclectic mix of fields, all trying to give you the most infomazing and presenterly experience? Then bear witness, ask questions, and vote on who shall get to ascend to the heights of Cupcake Mountain.
The Unofficial HotaruCon 5 Pub Quiz
Saturday 13:30 - 15:00 Presenter: Queers For FearsDescription: You know the drill. Weeby pub quiz with weeby prizes. Win and prove you’re the weebiest weeb at the weeb convention. Or don’t, I’m not your mum.
The Yaoi Panel
Friday 20:45 - 21:45 Presenter: NoireDescription: BOY KISSING! MXM , FLUFF, SMUT, SIZE KINK, The OMEGAVERSE! These are definitely not my ao3 tags ;) Come and join us for a night of semes, ukes , Yaoi and quizzes!
Theatre in Japan: A History
Sunday 17:15 - 18:15 Presenter: MonsterhaulDescription: From traditional theatre to Danganronpa stage plays and Death Note the Musical, this panel takes you on a whistle stop tour of the world of theatre in Japan. There are games and prizes throughout!
Theme Parks, Thrill Rides and Weird Things to See in Japan
Friday 14:15 - 15:15 Presenter: CelerymoondesignsDescription: You're probably already aware of USJ and Tokyo Disney but did you know there's a theme park dedicated to Germany in Chiba? Or a life-size recreation of the Shaun the Sheep village 90 minutes from Kyoto? If you're interested in spicing up your Japan trip with a two hour drive to the Mysterious Sonic Statue or just interested in learning why the Ganjoji sakura trees are so special - then this the panel for you.
They Kink It's All Over... It Is Now! (18+)
Saturday 23:30 - 01:00 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Kyrie and crew are back for another smut-filled panel based on (but legally distinct from) UK panel shows that nobody watches anymore. Laughs, second-hand embarrassment and tentacles!
Trainer Aptitude Test: An Umamusume Quiz
Friday 11:45 - 13:15 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Think you know your Umamusume? Can you name all members of the Mejiro family? Then come join Kristylae as she tests you on your knowledge on anime horse girls. Can you prove you have what it takes to be a trainer?
Tsumami Zaiku Hair Accessory Workshop
Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 Presenter: ChibiDescription: Have you ever looked at yukata/kimono hair accessories and wondered how to make them? Now's your chance! Come along and have a try at making a piece, no prior experience needed and all supplies will be provided.
Uma Appreciation Hour
Sunday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: Aloe BobcatDescription: Umamusume has been racing through fans' hearts, so it's the perfect time to talk about some of our favorite horse girls and their real life equine inspirations.
Umamusume Pretty Horsetory
Saturday 16:15 - 17:15 Presenter: KristylaeDescription: Umamusume has taken the world by storm, including all of us. But do you know about the real world influences for all our favourite horse girls? Well even if you do come join Kristylae as she explores these very things. From the small facts to the big events that inspired Cy Games to make the girls we know and love.
Vampire the Masquerade: LIVE
Friday 22:45 - 00:45 Presenter: KyrieDescription: Do you like roleplaying games? Do you like Vampires? Do you like panellists putting on silly voices while attempting to revisit 90s goth nostalgia? Then come watch a live game of Vampire the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition.
We Have Iyo Sky at Home: A Guide to Stardom Wrestling
Sunday 16:00 - 17:00 Presenter: PHØBIADescription: Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your favourite idols and magical girls could wrestle? Well they do! Over in Tokyo is World Wonder Ring Stardom, where idol culture, anime and professional wrestling collide to make something you've never seen before, and PHØBIA is here to show you everything about it.
What the Fuck is a Haikyuu: Symbolism in my Sports Anime?
Sunday 11:00 - 12:00 Presenter: CelerymoonDescription: It's just a sports anime I hear you say. Well yes, but actually, no. Come dip an ASICS-clad toe into the how the themes of classism, freedom and failure are shown through symbolism in a shonen anime about volleyball.
What the Fuck is a Star Wars?
Why does Anime love Geno**de?
Saturday 13:30 - 14:30 Presenter: DJ ChayDescription: Why does geno**de repeatedly occur as a plot and theme across so many anime? From Gundam to Attack on Titan, Dragonball to Fullmetal Alchemist, Naruto to HunterxHunter, geno**de occurs from a small footnote in the backstory to a major story through the series, so join a geno**de researcher as we look into why this is.
Why You Should Play World of Darkness
Friday 18:00 - 19:00 Presenter: KyrieDescription: After multiple panels where she told you what tabletop rpg systems to play, Kyrie is taking the gloves off and is ready to explain why all you need is a handful of D10s and The World of Darkness.\
You Awake To Find Yourself In An Isekai World - The Live RPG!
Friday 22:00 - 23:30 Presenter: WolfyDescription: If an 80s text based RPG, a PowerPoint presentation and a rucksack full of anime tropes had a baby! Join Gnocchi and Wolfy for the new and improved version of the crowd sourced comedy quest, back once again after a highly successful debut at KokoroCon 4. Do your best to survive an adventure full of memes, references and strange little skits for your chance to win prizes or die several silly deaths. A heartfelt homage/shameless spoof of The Dark Room by John Robertson, this is an experience to die for (over and over and over again)