RakuCon comes to the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel for a weekend of independent Japanese pop culture, with artists, small businesses, performances, workshops, panels, games and cosplay.
Opening times and activities
- Saturday 22 August: 10:00-18:00
- Sunday 23 August: 12:00-17:00
The organiser lists dealers and artists, performances, workshops and panels, a games room, photo studio, cosplay photo area and an Anime and Emo After Party. The detailed 2026 running order is still to be announced.
Early wristband collection is available on Friday 21 August, 12:00–19:00, at the Main Help Desk outside the International Suite on floor 3 - worth using if you’re travelling in to cut weekend queues.
Cosplay competition
The competition runs on Saturday 22 August, 17:15–18:00, in the Park Suite on the 4th floor. Contestants should arrive at the Park Suite entrance 15 minutes before the start (17:00). Online applications close on 14 August or when full; limited on-the-day entries close at 13:00. Handmade and bought costumes are judged separately, with a two-minute maximum stage time. This year’s prizes include SPYAIR concert tickets (or another Raku Events event) for first place in both categories.
Real weapons and realistic imitations are prohibited. Props must be no longer than 1.5m, made from wood, soft material or resin, and not look realistic. See the official cosplay competition guidance.
Tickets, ages and access
Use the official ticket page for current prices. Door sales may be available subject to capacity; advance booking is recommended. Tickets can be transferred through info@rakuevents.com, cannot be exchanged, and refund requests are at the organiser’s discretion; ticket fees are non-refundable.
Children aged 4-12 have child tickets and under-fours enter free. General adult-accompaniment and after-party age rules have not been published. The organiser says the event has lifts and ramps; one-to-one carers can request free entry in advance with eligible evidence. Contact info@rakuevents.com for access support.
Travel and planning
The hotel is a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly railway station and accessible from Piccadilly Gardens. The venue advertises parking for 80 cars, but RakuCon-specific availability, rates and accessible-bay arrangements have not been published, so confirm directly with the hotel. See the RakuCon FAQ, activities page and venue website before travelling.
Cover image
The original creator, source URL and licence for this inherited cover remain unresolved, so no further attribution can be stated safely.