If you’ve noticed a few more people than usual wandering around Manchester with bright blue hair, oversized swords, or incredibly detailed armour next weekend, don’t panic: you haven’t stepped into an alternate dimension. The Manchester Anime & Gaming Con is officially returning to the Sugden Sports Centre from Friday, 10 April to Sunday, 12 April 2026.
For those of us based in Macclesfield and the surrounding East Cheshire areas, this is one of the biggest dates on the entertainment calendar. It’s a weekend where the usual routines are traded for three days of high-energy celebration, celebrating everything from the latest Japanese animation hits to the retro gaming classics we all grew up with.
Whether you’re a hardcore collector, a competitive gamer, or just someone looking for a fun day out with the family, here is what you need to know about the upcoming event.
What’s Happening at Sugden Sports Centre?
The venue choice for this year remains the Sugden Sports Centre on Grosvenor Street. It’s a massive space that gets completely transformed for the weekend. The hall will be packed with over 100 exhibitor stalls, meaning you can finally track down 그 rare figurine or a signed art print that you’ve been hunting for online.
The schedule is pretty packed from Friday morning right through to Sunday night. The convention traditionally kicks off at 11:30 am on Friday and doesn't wrap up until nearly midnight on Sunday. It’s an endurance test for the most dedicated fans, but with so many activities planned, you’ll likely want to stick around for as much of it as possible.
Meet the Voice Behind Your Favourite Characters
One of the biggest draws for the 2026 edition is the guest lineup. For fans of Genshin Impact and anime dubs more broadly, Penelope Rawlins is set to appear alongside Derick Snow, Drew Breedlove, SJ Harris and Zee Andrews. That gives the weekend a much broader voice actor line-up than first announced, with plenty for fans from Macclesfield and across East Cheshire to get stuck into.
Getting the chance to meet these guests isn't just about the autograph. There are usually Q&A panels where they discuss the industry, the process of bringing characters to life, and share behind-the-scenes stories that you won't hear anywhere else. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the world of voice acting, these panels are often the best place to start.
Special Guest Artist Duncan Gutteridge
There is also a strong art side to the weekend. Special guest artist Duncan Gutteridge, known for his Sonic the Hedgehog artwork, is due to attend, which should be a big pull for anyone who grew up with Sega or still has a soft spot for the blue blur.
For visitors coming over from our part of Cheshire, that adds another good reason to make a day of it. Between the artist area, exhibitor stalls and guest signings, there should be plenty to browse even if you are not there mainly for cosplay or tournaments.
The Heart of the Show: Cosplay and Community
You can’t have an anime convention without cosplay. It is, quite literally, the soul of the event. While many people will be coming in their everyday clothes, a significant portion of the crowd will be dressed as their favourite characters from games, anime, and movies.
The level of craftsmanship on display is always staggering. We’re talking about hand-sewn costumes, 3D-printed props, and makeup work that would look at home on a professional film set. This year’s event features the Cosplay Masquerade, where participants can show off their hard work on stage. There’s also a Lip Sync Battle and a Talent Show, which are usually the loudest and most supportive parts of the entire weekend.
If you aren't the competitive type, don't worry. The social aspect is just as important. There are dozens of community-led meetups and workshops where you can learn how to style wigs, build foam armour, or simply meet people who share your niche interests. This year’s activities also include a K-pop dance workshop, which should add another lively, beginner-friendly option for anyone who wants to join in rather than just watch from the side.
Gaming: From Retro Classics to Modern Tournaments
The "Gaming" part of the title isn't just an afterthought. The Sugden Sports Centre will be divided into several zones dedicated to different ways to play.
- Video Gaming: Expect a mix of the latest releases and "bring-your-own" setups. Specific tournaments listed for the weekend include Tekken and Mario Kart, so there should be plenty of competitive noise around the screens.
- Retro Gaming: For those of us who remember the days of the Mega Drive and SNES, there’s usually a great selection of older consoles. It’s a nostalgic trip that always seems to draw a crowd of parents showing their kids the "proper" way to play Sonic or Mario.
- Showcases and Community Gaming: Extra Lives Gaming is also part of the programme, adding more organised showcases and play sessions across the weekend.
- Tabletop & TCG: If you prefer your gaming with cards and dice, there will be over 100 board games available to play, alongside Trading Card Game (TCG) tournaments. Whether you're into Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, or Yu-Gi-Oh!, you'll find a table here.
Evening Entertainment and Karaoke
Once the sun goes down, the vibe changes slightly but the energy stays high. The convention hosts after-parties and karaoke sessions that are included in the ticket price. If you’ve never stood in a room full of people belt out an anime theme song at the top of their lungs, you’re missing out on a very specific, very joyful type of chaos.
Live music is also a bigger part of this year’s line-up than many people might expect. Performances are set to include idol groups Holly Heart, LELE, Grace Mellody and DearWish, alongside acts such as SYNTHONIE and Pleasure Island. For anyone travelling in from Macclesfield, that makes the convention feel a bit closer to a full weekend festival than just a daytime shopping and cosplay event.
There’s also an "Anime Theatre" viewing area for those who want to take a break from the crowds and just sit back to watch some classic series or new movie releases. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries before heading back into the main hall or over to the Big Geek Quiz.
Getting There from Macclesfield
For those of us travelling in from Macclesfield, the logistics are actually very straightforward. Manchester is right on our doorstep, and the Sugden Sports Centre is perfectly situated for public transport users.
- By Train: Your best bet is to take the direct train from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road. Both stations are within easy walking distance of the venue. From Piccadilly, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk, and even less from Oxford Road.
- By Bus: If you prefer the bus, the 130 or other local services that connect via Stockport are options, though the train is significantly faster.
- By Car: If you're driving, be aware that city centre parking can be a bit of a nightmare and fairly pricey. There are several multi-storey car parks nearby, but they fill up fast during major events.
If you’re planning a full weekend of it, there are plenty of hotels near the University area that put you right in the heart of the action.
Ticket Information and Final Tips
Tickets are currently on sale, but the organisers have warned that they are limited. They’ve suggested that people book in advance to avoid disappointment at the door, as certain days (especially Saturday) often sell out well before the weekend begins.
A few quick tips if it's your first time:
- Stay Hydrated: Convention halls get warm, especially when they're crowded and you're wearing a costume.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors take cards, the signal in large sports halls can sometimes be spotty. Having some cash on hand for that "must-have" item is always a safe bet.
- Plan Your Day: Check the schedule on the official website before you go. You don’t want to realise you’ve missed the one guest you wanted to see because you were busy playing Street Fighter.
It’s looking like it’s going to be a brilliant weekend. Whether you’re going for the guest panels, the gaming tournaments, or just to admire the incredible costumes, the Manchester Anime & Gaming Con is a fantastic example of the vibrant, creative community we have here in the North West.
See you there!
Sources:
- Official Manchester Anime & Gaming Con Website: www.manchesteranimecon.com
- Manchester Anime Con Guests Page: https://spring.manchesteranimecon.com/guests
- Sugden Sports Centre Event Calendar 2026.
- Voice Actor Guest Announcements via Social Media (Penelope Rawlins, Derick Snow, Drew Breedlove, SJ Harris and Zee Andrews).
