AnimeLeague’s Southampton con returns to the Novotel on 31 October–1 November with two standout headline acts: Extra Lives, an interactive video-game concert, and SYNTHONIE, whose cyberpunk live set pairs with interactive VR music workshops.
What’s on
Beyond the headliners the weekend covers video gaming, anime theatre, tabletop gaming, stage panels, cosplay activities, karaoke and parties. The programme includes a cosmasquerade, lip sync battle, talent show, anime bingo, a big geek quiz, voice-actor guests, boardgame and TCG tournaments, live bands and after-parties.
The published timetable now gives times across the main stage, video gaming, tabletop gaming and anime-screening rooms. Saturday includes SYNTHONIE at 13:00, Extra Lives: Interactive Video Game Concert at 15:00 and the cosplay masquerade at 17:00. Sunday includes a Sonic the Hedgehog artist Q&A with Duncan Gutteridge at 13:00 and the cosplay masquerade at 17:00. The organiser recommends its app for live changes or cancellations.
Timetable highlights
Saturday’s screening room lists Arrietty, Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon: Secrets of the Jungle and Naruto. Sunday lists My Neighbour Totoro, My Hero Academia and Psycho-Pass.
The gaming rooms schedule Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart, Minecraft, D&D, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon activities across the weekend. Check the live timetable because individual sessions can change.
Tickets and entry
Online weekend tickets are £30 (down from £37 at the door), Saturday-only £22 and Sunday-only £15. Early Bird adds £6 for entry from 10:00, VIP adds £15 with Early Bird benefits; carers get 50% off. Standard entry is from 11:30, with on-the-door sales from 12:00 (from 14:00 if online sells out). Daytime areas wind down around 18:00, with the main stage continuing into the evening.
All ages are welcome; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+, and children eight and under enter free. Some evening content is 18+. The venue is step-free with lifts, accessible toilets and seating; assistance dogs are welcome, cloakroom is around £1 and closes at 18:00.
Cover image
Original AI-generated thematic illustration. It does not depict the event or any guest.