MCM Comic Con London returns to ExCeL London from 22-24 May 2026. The UK’s largest pop culture convention draws over 100,000 fans across three days, covering everything from anime and gaming to cosplay and comics. This year’s May show hosts the Cosplay Central Crown Championships world finals for the first time.
Key Details
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 May 2026 |
| Venue | ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock |
| Tickets | From £27 (general) / £37-47 (priority) |
| Kids | £7 (ages 5-10), free under 4 |
| Website | mcmcomiccon.com |
Opening Hours
Friday 22 May
- Priority entry: 10am – 6pm
- General entry: 12pm – 6pm
- After Hours: until 9pm (included in all Friday tickets)
Saturday 23 May
- Priority entry: 9am – 7pm
- General entry: 11am – 7pm
Sunday 24 May
- Priority entry: 10am – 5pm
- General entry: 12pm – 5pm
Ticket Prices
- General Entry (single day): £27-37
- Priority Entry (single day): £37-47
- Weekend Pass (all 3 days): £97
- Kids (5-10): £7
- Under 4: Free with adult ticket holder
Priority entry gets you in when doors open. General entry is two hours later. Weekend ticket holders can enter at priority times all three days.
Order before the delivery deadline and your badge arrives by post, so you can skip the collection queue on the day.
Who Is MCM For?
MCM is a broad pop culture event, not a specialist anime or gaming convention. It works best if you’re into multiple fandoms or want variety across a weekend. The show floor covers:
- Anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture (Pop Asia zone)
- Gaming (playable demos, industry panels, esports)
- Cosplay (competitions, meetups, photo opportunities)
- Comics and graphic novels (mainstream and indie)
- TV and film (celebrity guests, screenings, Q&As)
- Merchandise (figures, collectibles, artist prints)
If you’re coming specifically for anime content, Pop Asia is your home base, but you’ll also find anime-related merchandise, cosplayers, and screenings scattered throughout the venue.
Cosplay at MCM
Cosplay is one of MCM’s biggest draws. The venue is full of cosplayers from the moment doors open, and the atmosphere is welcoming whether you’re in costume or just want to admire the craftsmanship.
Cosplay Central Crown Championships
The 2026 May show hosts the world finals of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships for the first time. This international competition brings together national champions from PAX Aus (Australia), Comic Con Africa (South Africa), Paris Manga (France), Japan Weekend Madrid (Spain), C2E2 (USA), and UniCon (Latvia).
The finals take place on Saturday, with competitors judged on craftsmanship, stage presence, and accuracy to their chosen character. Even if you’re not competing, watching the finals is one of the highlights of the weekend.
Cosplay Masquerade
The Cosplay Masquerade runs on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage. This is a performance competition open to all attendees. Registration opens in advance via the MCM app.
Variety Show
Cosplayers can also enter the MCM Variety Show, showcasing choreographed dances, skits, magic tricks, or musical performances. Applications close 22 April.
Cosplay Meetups and Photo Ops
Throughout the weekend, fan-organised meetups bring together cosplayers from specific series. Check the MCM Fringe schedule for photoshoots organised by fandom. The ExCeL concourse and nearby Royal Victoria Dock provide popular backdrops.
Cosplay Facilities
Cosplay Central is on Level 3 of the ICC (east end of ExCeL, above the Main Stage). Facilities include:
- Changing rooms
- Repair station with basic tools and supplies
- Cospitality Lounge for rest breaks
- Photo backdrops
- Cosplay desk for prop checks and peace-bonding
You can arrive in costume or change at the venue. Props must comply with MCM’s rules: no metal blades, no working projectiles, no wooden or metal bats. Check the full guidelines on the MCM website before travelling.
Gaming
The Side Quest gaming zone covers a large section of the show floor with playable demos, tournaments, and industry content.
What You Can Play
- New releases and upcoming titles from major publishers
- Indie games via the Leftfield Collection
- PC LAN Freeplay Zone for classics and community favourites
- Tabletop games and TTRPG demos in the Tabletop Zone
Gaming Guests (May 2026)
- David Hayter (voice of Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid)
- Cast of Silent Hill 2 (confirmed guests TBA)
- Cast of Resident Evil Requiem including Emma Rose Creaner and Jane Perry
Previous MCM shows have featured panels with the casts of God of War, The Boys, and other major franchises. The gaming content runs all three days.
Indie Developer Summit
On Friday 23 May, MCM hosts a summit for independent game developers featuring speakers from Ukie, Secret Mode, GamesBrief, and Fireshine Games. Topics include funding, publishing, and building a sustainable indie studio.
Pop Asia: Anime, Manga, and J-Culture
Pop Asia is MCM’s dedicated zone for Japanese and Asian pop culture. Think of it as an anime convention within the larger event.
What’s in Pop Asia
- Anime screenings and premieres
- Manga drawing workshops (drop-in, free, first-come-first-served)
- K-pop dance workshops and Random Dance Games
- Origami and traditional craft sessions
- Asian food stalls (onigiri, udon, bao buns, taiyaki, bubble tea)
- Exhibitors selling anime figures, manga, and exclusive merchandise
Sparks of Tomorrow World Premiere
Anime Limited is hosting the world premiere of the TV anime Sparks of Tomorrow on Saturday 23 May (14:45-16:40). The screening includes episodes 1 and 2, followed by a panel with director Minoru Ota and producer Ryona Kuyama. A signing session runs from 17:00-19:00.
Merchandise
Exhibitors in Pop Asia and across the show floor sell anime figures, manga volumes, art prints, plushies, and limited-edition collectibles. If you’re hunting for specific items, arrive early on Friday or Saturday for the best selection.
Major distributors like Anime Limited and Manga Entertainment have attended previous shows. Check the exhibitor list closer to the event for confirmed vendors.
Artist Alley and Writers Block
Artist Alley
Around 200 tables of independent artists selling original prints, commissions, fan art, and handmade items. This is where you find unique work that isn’t available in shops. Many artists take commissions on the day, so bring reference images if you want something custom.
Writers Block
Authors and comic creators sell books, graphic novels, and zines. Signing sessions run throughout the weekend. Previous guests have included major names from the comic industry and indie publishers.
Celebrity Guests
MCM attracts guests from film, TV, gaming, and publishing. Photo ops and autograph sessions are available for purchase separately through the MCM store.
Confirmed Guests (May 2026)
- Brandon Sanderson (fantasy author, guest of honour)
- Nathan Fillion (Firefly, The Rookie)
- Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Rogue One)
- Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise)
- Luke Roberts
- Dylan Llewellyn
- Salome Gunnarsdottir
- Cast members from Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Cast members from Power Rangers
- Kevin Eastman (co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Guest announcements continue in the lead-up to the show. Check the MCM website for the latest lineup.
Panels and Screenings
The Main Stage and smaller stages host panels, Q&As, live podcasts, screenings, and game shows throughout the weekend. Schedules are published in advance on the MCM website and app.
Popular panels fill up quickly. Use the MCM app to reserve seats where available, and arrive early for high-demand sessions.
Food and Drink
ExCeL has multiple food options inside and around the venue. Pop Asia has dedicated Asian food stalls. Expect queues at peak times.
Tips:
- Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Eat at off-peak times (before noon, after 2pm)
- The Royal Victoria Dock area has additional cafes and restaurants
Getting There
Address: ExCeL London Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway London E16 1XL
By Train:
- DLR to Custom House (West Entrance)
- DLR to Prince Regent (East Entrance)
- Elizabeth Line to Custom House
Accommodation: MCM partners with HotelMap for deals on hotels near ExCeL. Nearby hotels fill up fast during convention weekend, so book early if you’re travelling from outside London.
Tips for First-Timers
Before You Go
- Download the MCM app for schedules, maps, and panel reservations
- Check the exhibitor list and guest lineup
- Plan your must-see panels and book where possible
- Read the cosplay prop rules if you’re dressing up
On the Day
- Priority entry is worth it if you want to see everything. General entry loses you two hours each day.
- Wear comfortable shoes. ExCeL is massive and you’ll be walking for hours.
- Bring cash as well as card. Some smaller vendors are cash-only.
- Pace yourself. You can’t see everything in one day.
Staying Comfortable
- Stay hydrated. The venue gets warm with large crowds.
- Take breaks. The Cospitality Lounge and quieter areas around the venue offer space to rest.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, MCM has a dedicated guide and quiet spaces.
Is MCM Worth It?
MCM works best if you enjoy variety. In one weekend, you can watch a cosplay competition, play unreleased games, meet voice actors, buy exclusive figures, and attend panels on everything from comic writing to anime production.
For cosplayers, it’s one of the best events in the UK calendar, especially with the Crown Championships world finals this year. For collectors, the combination of major distributors and independent artists means you’ll find things you can’t get elsewhere.
If you’re only interested in anime and nothing else, you might find the breadth of MCM distracting. But if you’re happy to explore across fandoms, it’s a full weekend of entertainment.
The October 2025 show drew over 100,000 attendees. Expect similar numbers in May.
Looking for more Japanese events in London? Check out HYPER JAPAN Festival 2026 (24-26 July) and Death Note: The Musical at the Barbican (30 July – 12 September).