Dec 8, 20233 min read

‘A Very Cosplay Christmas’

✦ headspace Port Macquarie brings pop-culture to Wauchope for this year’s Wauchope Cosplay Festival, supported by the Port Macquarie Hastings Council Community Grants Program.

Wauchope Cosplay Festival 2022 a success | Brilliant Online — Cosplay Festival 2022 was a colourful event

'A Very Cosplay Christmas' aims to foster connection, culture and creativity by bringing the whole community together for a fun day out!

Headspace Port Macquarie is excited to present this free for all ages, inclusive pop-culture event held at the Wauchope Library precinct Saturday, December 16th, 10am-2pm. The event seeks to connect young people, their friends, family members and Cosplay lovers alike.

The inaugural Wauchope Cosplay Festival was held in 2022 and was a raving success with over 400 attendees dressing up in their best cosplay outfits. This year the festival is back and bigger than ever but this time with a Christmas twist.

Cosplayers are encouraged to think outside the box to create their character using this year’s theme, ‘A Very Cosplay Christmas’.

This idea came about courtesy of community member and volunteer Virginia Cox during her work with Headspace and the Community Drug Action Team. Headspace Community Engagement Coordinator and festival organiser Jules Jamieson says, “There’s a real need to bring events to different areas in the LGA, and collectively we decided that Wauchope would be a great place to host the event - it’s central to outlying areas and is a great opportunity for the town to celebrate what it has to offer.

"We have found the compounding effects of COVID, floods and the rising costs of living are affecting everyone’s mental health, particularly families. From loss of employment and housing challenges, to feelings of uncertainty and at times hopelessness. The first step in rectifying the impact of these is to offer something exciting and out of ordinary, to bring people together.

"Our hope is that the Wauchope Cosplay Festival will nurture self-expression and inspire motivation. The workshops and the entertainment on offer are designed to stimulate discussion and help people relax and have fun," explains Jules.

Not sure what Cosplay is but keen to find out?

Well, there's something for everyone! From the Youth Makers Market, where you can support local youth by purchasing their homemade goods and creative wares (bring your cash), to the Circus Skills show and main event, the all ages Cosplay Parade.

Fun will also be had by getting involved in the Box Head Workshop. Create a box head in the morning and enter the Boxhead parade. Try your hand at learning and creating a new skill by joining in the activities of Zentangle Art and Christmas decoration workshops.

The amazing Lightning Lucy, the Candy Cowgirl and her side-kick, Katie the Harley Quinn Hoop Extraordinaire will be showcasing all their best tricks in an interactive circus show.

Wauchope Cosplay Festival | Brilliant Online

The incredible Jaya Lyons, an amazing young local artist will help to inspire and support those interested in art and illustration.

If these activities don’t float your boat, then come along to enjoy free face painting, sausage sizzle and live music by upcoming local stars, ‘Kilipati’ and Cam Alford’.

There are lots of prizes on offer for Cosplay entrants, but anyone that turns up on the day goes into the draw to win an amazing lucky door prize.

Virginia Cox, self-confessed cosplay fanatic, who is coordinating the festival alongside Headspace says she is proud to bring the event to Wauchope.

"I’ve been involved with the organisation of smaller cosplay events in the past, but this one is special because it’s clear the community needs and wants this type of festival. Wauchope doesn’t get a lot of big events so I am glad I can bring my creativity and flair to the area," Virginia explained.

"I’m grateful to Jules and Emily and the rest of the volunteers from headspace - not only do they support the health and wellbeing of participants, but also local businesses who are hired to provide goods and services on the day," she added.

Headspace Port Macquarie is part of the National Mental Health Foundation and provides free early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Young people are supported across four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol/other drug services.