Update (May 30th): Unfortunately the group were 18 people short of beating the record, but 232 people turned up dressed as Zelda characters overall. Maybe they can break the record next time!
Original article: A group of Zelda fans and cosplayers called The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK are attempting to set a world record at MCM Comic Con.
They’re hoping to set the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the Legend of Zelda characters on Saturday May 27th 2023 at 1pm on the main stage at ExceL London.
Ben Lord from The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK group, said on their Facebook page: “Although the record has not been officially set, Guinness World Records would like us to hit 250 [people cosplaying] as a minimum.
“The majority of the versions of Link and Zelda should be fine. for all other characters it would be a giant help to us if you could send us your plans so we can get them pre-approved.”
Those wishing to take part in the The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK record attempt will need either a day ticket or weekend pass for MCM Comic Con.
This video by SuperZeldaGirl also outlines more of the group’s plans to set the record:
The record attempt comes a few weeks before the latest Legend of Zelda game arrives on the Nintendo Switch – Tears of the Kingdom – on May 12th 2023.
MCM event organisers spoke about other cosplay activities in a press release, outside of The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK record attempt.
“It wouldn’t be MCM without cosplay, which is why the much-anticipated Cosplay Masquerade is returning to the Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday for a chance to witness some of the most impressive handmade costumes at the whole event,” they said.
“What’s more, the Cosplay Showcase and Kids Cosplay Showcase are open to absolutely everyone: it’s a fantastic opportunity to strike a pose on the Cosplay Central Stage and show off your cosplay skills.”
“I’m super excited for this event and the people behind it are putting in so much work to get things done. It will be incredible if we can break the world record and would be such an awesome thing to be a part of as a Zelda fan.”
SuperZeldaGirl
MCM organisers added: “If you have a costume crisis, don’t panic – the Cosplay Hospital will be on hand throughout the whole show, ready to stitch you back together completely free of charge.
“Community is at the heart of MCM, and meeting people who share your passion is what makes the event so special. Geek out with fellow cosplayers at one of the Official MCM Photo Meets before snapping a group photo that will stay with you for a lifetime.”
There will also be an outdoor Fringe Stage featuring live music, dance performances and comedy, with ‘fun festival vibes for a cosplay spectacle you won’t forget’.
From the archives: Streaker bundled off stage by ‘jedi’ at MCM Comic Con UK Hearthstone finals
The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK gather at MCM Comic Con in London
The Legend of Zelda Cosplayers UK plans come ahead of today’s announcement that MCM Comic Con is returning with three shows for 2023, with two in London (May and October) and one in Birmingham (November).
The first London event takes place at Excel London from May 26th to 28th.
It will feature Harvey Guillén and Kayvan Novak, stars from the mockumentary series What We Do in the Shadows, who will both be greeting fans on Saturday and Sunday, with Kayvan appearing in-character as the Fonejacker on Sunday for photos and autographs.
The cast from American rom-com series Our Flag Means Death will be sailing into the show on Saturday and Sunday for autographs and photo opportunities with fans, including Con O’Neill, Kristian Nairn and Nathan Foad.
For gamers there’s the Side Quest area, home to a library of retro classics, modern consoles and family favourites. There’s also a Tabletop Realm which is moving to the Platinum Suite for MCM’s biggest tabletop gaming area ever, featuring cardboard and trading card games, as well as Dungeons and Dragons.
For Pokémon fans, MCM will be hosting an English dub cast reunion with actors Veronica Taylor, Jay Goede, Eric Stuart and Rachael Lillis to celebrate 25 years since the UK release of Pokémon: The First Movie, and will be available for photos and autographs all weekend.
The cast from God of War will also be joining MCM for the three-day weekend. Sunny Suljic, Danielle Bisutti, Alastair Duncan and Ryan Hurst will be meeting and greeting fans with photograph and autograph opportunities.
More than 50 authors will be attending MCM, including New York Times best selling fiction author and Star Trek novelist Una Mccormack who will be appearing at the show for panels and book signings. Adrian Tchaikovsky, science fiction author and winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, will also be making an appearance.
The Pop Asia zone will also have performances, interactive games and food, plus creative workshops for origami and Manga.
Finally, there’s The Treehouse area for kids with crafting, face painting, colouring and more. Kids aged 10 and under get into the event free with an adult ticket holder.
Teresa Heitor, Event Director at MCM Comic Con said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing MCM Comic Con back to London this May. Stay tuned, as we’ll be announcing even more incredible guests, panels, and exciting features over the coming months. Don’t forget to grab your tickets, and we’ll see you there.”
For more information visit the MCM Comic Con website
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
