When this year’s Cosplay Carnival was first announced, it took a few minutes for the tickets to be sold out.
Similar to Cosplay Matsuri 2021 back in December, however, tickets were being sold at unreasonable prices leading to speculation that scalpers had bought out the tickets in hopes of taking advantage of the shortage.
Cosplay.ph, the organizers of Cosplay Carnival as well as big anime events such as Anime and Cosplay Expo, Cosplay Matsuri, and Cosplay Mania, were swift to respond, securing another Hall and doubling the space of the convention to sell more tickets.
However, as the event date drew closer, it appeared as if even this adjustment was not enough as tickets continued to sell. The organizers quickly made moves to secure even more space. A decision was also made to keep the pre-selling ticket ceiling and allow selling tickets on the event date, with a price increase of P349 to cover the cost of the additional hall as well as logistical costs such as the ticket booth, and personnel and added security.
Within minutes of this announcement, tickets were again sold out.
Now with three halls, it’s the biggest convention of its kind since Cosplay Mania 2019. It may be the confidence in the organizers after Cosplay Matsuri 2021, the first live anime convention since the start of the pandemic was able to prove that anime events could return.
The significant distinction between last year’s Cosplay Matsuri and Cosplay Carnival 2022 is that the latter has fully embraced the trappings of live conventions. This meant that the event stage, live performances, cosplay catwalk, and even a foreign guest, Plant Lily from Singapore, will be major event highlights.
Fan-favorite contests such as Cosplay Karaoke, Cosplay OTP, Cosplay Auction, and Trivia Throne Throwdown will be paired with new activities such as Cosplay Dance Duet, Frenemy Feud, Pick-A-Tune and Lights, Camera, Cosplay. For the first time, the event will also feature a Pop-Up Cosplay Studio complete with studio lights and a beautiful backdrop and props.
Whatever the true reason behind the meteoric rise in demand for tickets to Cosplay Carnival 2022, it’s clear that con-goers are ready to return to live events once again. They’re eager to reconnect with friends and experience all the energy and exhilaration that are hallmarks of anime events that have been denied them for more than two years.
